A bus driver who drove over a grandmother of three because he believed, incorrectly, that she had previously tried to go without paying was sentenced to prison.
As a result of her terrible injuries, Joan Scott, who was 83 at the time of the incident, had to have both of her legs amputated.
She attempted an attempt to board a double-decker bus run by Scott Cliff on September 19, 2021 at Battle Hill Drive in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear.
Cliff locked the doors and began to drive away as Mrs. Scott entered the vehicle, trapping her walking stick inside.
Mrs. Scott, a local resident, was dragged beneath the bus’ wheels.
Her left leg was amputated on the spot, and her right leg was amputated in a hospital a few hours later.
Cliff was sentenced to 27 months in prison today at Newcastle Crown Court for endangering others while driving recklessly.
‘The bus driver didn’t even allow her the option to produce the bus pass she had with her, all because he felt he recognised her as not previously paid a fare or having a bus pass she had with her,’ said Mrs. Scott’s granddaughter Sarah after the sentencing.
He chose to close the bus doors in her face in order to forbid her from boarding. Who could possibly do that? She is in her 80s and didn’t plan to hurt anyone.
The bus driver’s actions two years ago, according to Mrs. Scott’s son Brian, “took the head of my family in such a shocking way.”
She is imprisoned in a damaged body that was brought on only by the deeds of one person, he said.
By offering a place of safety on the bus, Mr. Cliff maintained a position to aid and protect the weak. It hurts me that he didn’t do that for my mother.
This may have been avoided if Mr. Cliff had treated my mother with more kindness and respect.
He has ruined our family, and we hope that this horrific occurrence will alert other motorists to pay attention.
“My grandma is no longer herself in any way, shape, or form,” Brian’s son Jack continued. I used to take her out to lunch very frequently because she was such a busy woman who was out and about all day. We would spend a lot of time together just sitting and talking.
However, it is no longer feasible. She would be extremely upset if she was left alone for even a short period of time. My heart is breaking for you.
Cliff agreed to driving recklessly and causing significant injury, claiming that he would not have done so if he had known Mrs. Scott’s walking stick was in the way as he pulled away.
PC Catherine Lloyd, who handled the inquiry, commended Mrs. Scott’s family for their perseverance and cooperation throughout the trying process.
“What happened that evening was truly tragic, with irrevocable consequences,” she stated.
“There is no question that Cliff’s actions have ruined more than one life forever, and it should act as a harrowing reminder to everyone as to what can happen if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle and act carelessly, dangerously, or without due consideration to others.”