Driver accused of causing death of bus passenger

Prosecutors allege speeding then sudden brake led woman to bang her head

A bus driver has appeared in court in connection with causing the death of an 82-year-old passenger.

Michael Gillespie is accused of causing the death of Elizabeth Colville by driving dangerously through Freuchie in April last year.

Prosecutors allege that Gillespie braked sharply in a bid to avoid a collision which caused Mrs Colville to be thrown from her seat and strike her head.

The elderly woman died a few days later in the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

Gillespie, of Rymalton, Kirkcaldy, made no plea or declaration when he appeared on petition at Dundee Sheriff Court.

It is alleged that on April 8 2019 he caused the death of Mrs Colville by driving a 64 Moffat and Williamson bus dangerously on the B936 East End, Freuchie, driving at excessive speed and striking road verges.

Gillespie allegedly drove the wrong way round a mini roundabout before passing a row of parked cars at excessive speed.

He allegedly failed to give way to an approaching vehicle, driven by Jane Gourlay, whereby he and Ms Gourlay braked sharply to avoid a collision.

This allegedly caused passengers on the bus tosuffer fearand alarm, whereby they held on to onboard furniture to stop them from being thrown from their seats.

The petition states that Mrs Colville was thrown from her seat and thereafter struck her head on a wheelchair frame, whereby she was so severely injured that she later died.

Gillespie, 33, had his case continued for further examination when he appeared before Sheriff George Way.

He was released on standard bail conditions.