Grandma needed double leg amputation after bus driver refused entry

The heartbroken family of a pensioner who needed a double leg amputation after a horror bus collision have urged drivers to show more compassion – or risk destroying other lives forever.

Scott Cliff was behind the wheel of a double decker bus that had stopped on Battle Hill Drive in Wallsend on September 19, 2021.

Stood at the bus stop was Joan Scott, then aged 83, who attempted to board – but Cliff mistakenly believed Joan had previously tried to ride the bus without paying, so closed the doors and drove off.

But he did not realise Joan’s walking stick was trapped in the door, causing her to be dragged under the bus tyres which caused catastrophic injuries to both of her legs.

Grandma-of-three Joan, who lives in the Wallsend area, needed to have one leg amputated at the scene, while another was removed hours later in hospital.

Yesterday (Thursday), after Cliff was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Joan’s family pleaded with other drivers to be more considerate and compassionate – or risk similarly catastrophic consequences.

Joan’s 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 hope this horrendous incident makes other drivers of all vehicles sit up and take note.”

Joan’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.”

Joan’s granddaughter, Sarah, added: “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.”

Cliff, 49, of Lindisfarne Road in Hebburn, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving – on the basis that he did not know Joan’s walking stick was caught between the doors when he pulled away, or he would not have done so.

Today, he was jailed for 27 months at the same court.

PC Catherine Lloyd, who led the investigation, said the heartbreaking case should act as a “harrowing reminder” to all drivers of their responsibilities whilst in control of a vehicle.

She also heaped praise on Joan’s family for their strength and cooperation since the collision.

“This is such a devastating outcome for Joan and her family and my thoughts remain with them at this awful time,” PC 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 forever, 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.

“I sincerely hope that Joan and her family can take some comfort knowing that the person responsible has been convicted at court, and I’d like to thank them for the incredible strength and cooperation that they have shown throughout.

“We all have a responsibility to make sure our roads are as safe as they possibly can be, and we will continue to pursue those who endanger the lives of others whilst behind the wheel.”

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