Former bus driver avoids jail for 'frightening' blade offence

Former London bus driver Garfield Balfour, 53, has narrowly avoided prison after being convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and weapon offences. Inner London Crown Court heard on Thursday, October 15, that the incident, which occurred in July, was frightening for witnesses, although no specific details of the offence were presented.

Balfour was also found guilty of possessing an article with a blade or point and threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place. The court heard that the offence passed the custody threshold, but Judge Brendan Finucane KC opted to impose an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Previous Conviction

This is not Balfour's first conviction. In 2022, he was convicted of killing 88-year-old pensioner Arthur Gowrie. At the time, Balfour was driving a Transport for London (TfL) bus on Walworth Road when he leaned down to pick up a chocolate bar, taking his hands off the steering wheel. CCTV footage showed Mr Gowrie falling into the road as the bus struck him.

Sentence Details

As part of his sentence for the recent offences, Balfour must complete 180 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £187 victim surcharge. The judge warned Balfour that he was fortunate to avoid jail, stating, "You are very lucky you are not going to prison. You do anything like this again, and rest assured, you undoubtedly will do."

Eleanor Gwilym, representing Balfour, informed the court that he is not currently in formal employment and is seeking to return to work while receiving universal credit. She also mentioned that he provides financial support for three young children.