Driver fined for knocking down woman

THE manager of a road maintenance company who knocked down a 30-year-old woman on a pedestrian crossing in the Capital has been fined £500 and had six points added to his licence.

Thomas Deans, 43, a manager for Bear Scotland, pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday to driving without due care and attention at the junction of North and South Bridge with the Royal Mile on 2 February this year and colliding with Lee-Anne Ewing, causing her to fall to the ground to her injury.

Deans, of Goldenacre Terrace, Edinburgh, stopped his car and went to see to the woman.

The fiscal said Ms Ewing was treated for a minor cut to her right knee and right eyebrow.

Defence agent Bruce Goodbrand said it was snowing and the white lines at the junction had been obliterated.

A bus in front of Deans moved into the left-hand lane as it approached South Bridge. Deans said the bus was slowing and as he drew level he became aware of a pedestrian walking out in front of it. "He realised he was at a crossing and stopped immediately, but there was contact with the pedestrian," Mr Goodbrand said.