A family have made a plea for more compassion on the roads after a bus driver was jailed over an accident in North Tyneside that led to a woman in her 80s having both her legs amputated.
Scott Cliff mistakenly thought Joan Scott had previously dodged paying a fare and closed the doors as she attempted to board, Newcastle crown court heard.
Scott’s walking stick, which was strapped to her wrist, was trapped in the door and she was dragged down and trapped under the rear wheels when Cliff began to drive off. One of her legs was amputated at the scene and the other in hospital.
The incident took place in Wallsend on 19 September 2021, when Scott was 83. The court accepted that Cliff did not know the walking stick was trapped in the doors. Cliff, 49, from Hebburn in South Tyneside, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for 27 months.
Scott’s family spoke of how their mother and grandmother had changed after the incident and called for all drivers to show compassion.
Her son Brian said: “I feel that the driver of the bus has on that day taken my mother, taken the head of my family, in such a shocking way. She is trapped in a broken body caused single-handedly by the actions of one person.
“Mr Cliff held a position to help and protect the vulnerable by providing a place of safety on the bus. But he didn’t do that for my mother and that kills me. This was so avoidable had Mr Cliff shown more compassion and consideration to my mother. He has destroyed our family and I hope this horrendous incident makes other drivers of all vehicles sit up and take note.”
Scott’s grandson Jack said: “My grandma is no longer herself in any way, shape or form. She was such an active lady, out and about all day long, and I used to take her for lunch often. We would sit for hours enjoying each other’s company. But it’s no longer possible to do that. It would distress her so much to be out of care for even a few hours. It absolutely breaks my heart.”
Her granddaughter Sarah said: “The bus driver didn’t even give her the chance to present the bus pass she had with her, all because he thought he recognised her as not previously paying a fare or having a bus pass she had with her. He decided to deny her entry on the bus and chose to close the doors in her face. How could someone do that? She is in her 80s and she meant no harm.”
PC Catherine Lloyd, of Northumbria police, who led the investigation, said the case should act as a reminder to all drivers of their responsibilities while in control of a vehicle.
“This is such a devastating outcome for Joan and her family and my thoughts remain with them at this awful time,” Lloyd said. “What happened on that evening was absolutely tragic and the consequences irreversible. There is no doubt that Cliff’s actions have destroyed more than one life for ever, 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.”
