Bus driver denies danger allegation
CASE OF INJURED GIRL TO GO TO CROWN COURT
A BUS driver has appeared in court accused of knocking over a schoolgirl on Newcastle’s West Road.
Carol Hadwin is alleged to have been driving a Stagecoach single-decker bus dangerously when she hit the 15-year-old during the day in January this year.
A court was told the girl suffered serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis, when she was sent flying over railings on the side of the road.
An investigation was launched after the incident and Hadwin was later summonsed to court to face one count of causing serious injuries by dangerous driving.
The 57-year-old appeared in the dock at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, where she spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge. Lee Poppett, prosecuting, said, because of the level of injuries caused, the case should be sent to Newcastle Crown Court.
“It’s the view of the Crown to invite you to decline jurisdiction,” Mr Poppett said. “The allegation is one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
“The incident occurred in the early part of this year, The complainant is a young lady.
“At the time, the defendant was employed by Stagecoach as a bus driver.”
The court was told the incident took place near a pelican crossing next to the Fox and Hounds pub in the Denton area on January 5.
Lisa Callum, defending, made no representations about where the case should be heard.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and released Hadwin, of Church Walk House, in Walker, on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on December 20.