Bus driver admits guilt over death of pedestrian in Glasgow’s east end

By ASHLIE MCANALLY
Published on 18/08/2012 02:33

A BUS driver has admitted running over and killing a woman while driving a double decker bus.

Gary Kearney, 41, made his way along Carntyne Road in Glasgow’s east end before turning right at the junction on to Duke Street. But after checking each way for traffic he failed to see Beata Torz as she crossed the road, on 15 December, 2010.

Kearney stopped the vehicle when he heard a bang and saw Ms Torz “lying motionless” under the bus.

Yesterday, at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Kearney, of Blantyre, Glasgow, pled guilty to driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users and causing the death of Mrs Torz.

The court was told Kearney was driving the bus around 7:50pm between Easterhouse and Faifley and was travelling towards the junction at Duke Street.

Procurator-fiscal depute Adam Roberts said: “He had a clear view from his cab. As he approached the junction of Carntyne Road at Duke Street, because of the size of the vehicle, he used both lanes to enable him to turn right. At the junction he slowed down and stopped and he carried out checks for oncoming traffic. In his words he ‘looked out, nothing, looked right, nothing, double checked again, nothing’.”

The court heard Ms Torz was crossing the road wearing dark clothing and was not seen by Kearney as he pulled out on to the road.

Mr Roberts added: “As the accused drove forwards he heard a bang coming from underneath the bus. He brought the vehicle to a halt and got out. On looking underneath the bus he saw the now deceased Torz lying 
motionless.”

Sheriff Sam Cathcart deferred sentence on Kearney until next month for reports.