School bus driver sold cannabis tinnies to kids

A Pukekohe High School bus driver has been convicted of selling cannabis to an undercover police officer wearing a high school uniform.

Thomas Wiremu Andrews, aged 42, was sentenced to 60 hours' community service when he appeared in the Pukekohe District Court yesterday for selling cannabis.

Police were tipped off that high school students were visiting Andrews' home - opposite the school gates - during their lunch hour.

Acting Sergeant Dean Gillette said a young male police officer was sent undercover two weeks ago dressed as a Pukekohe High School student and bought a tinnie of cannabis for $20.

Police searched the house and found cannabis tinnies.

The man who first contacted police and who does not wish to be named, told the Herald he saw between three and five children a day at Andrews' home over an eight-month period.

"One day I actually saw them exchange money for cannabis out on the footpath in front of the house."

The man followed the students, some of whom he believed were younger than 15, and saw them smoking cannabis in nearby Bledisloe Park.

News that Andrews had been sentenced to community service shocked the informant.

"Cannabis is illegal and selling it to schoolchildren, that's disgusting, especially considering he's a bus driver.

"It's actually quite a profitable business if you only get 60 hours for selling to school kids," the man said.

Andrews' partner, Gloria Gearon, appeared before Judge Sharon McAuslan yesterday on similar charges and has pleaded not guilty.