Delco Bus Driver Who Duct Taped Student To Seat Pleads No Contest

UPPER DARBY, PA — A former Delaware County bus driver pleaded no contest in court this week after authorities said she duct taped a 10-year-old boy to a bus seat in 2023.

Juliet Pratt, 57, of Clifton Heights, pleaded no contest to simple assault this week in a Delaware County court.

She was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to have no contact with the victim or the victim's family.

Pratt was initially charged with felony unlawful restraint, felony false imprisonment, felony endangering the welfare of a child, and assault.

On March 8, 2023, Upper Darby Police were called to Hillcrest Elementary School in Drexel Hill for the report of a 10-year-old who was assaulted by a bus driver.

The Delaware County District Attorney's office said video showed Pratt restrained the student with duct tape around his ankles and chest.

The student was sitting on the bus in a district-supplied safety harness and was never trying to get out of his seat or otherwise move around the bus, the DA's office said.

Pratt used a seat belt cutter to remove the tape from the child when she arrived at the school, according to the DA's office.