Bus driver acquitted of injuring woman

Massimo Bonello, 40, was acquitted of negligent and dangerous driving and seriously injuring a Ukrainian woman in December 2008.

Bonello, who works as a bus driver was cleared of all charges after the court held the woman was not keeping a proper lookout when she crossed the road.

The accused was also cleared of driving without insurance cover, however was fined €150 for driving without a driving licence.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli heard how at 8.30am on 2 December 2008, Bonello was driving Route Bus 49 to Bugibba when he heard a loud noise and stopped the bus.

A woman had ran onto the road and slammed into the bus. Passengers on the bus confirmed the driver was not over speeding and the woman simply crossed the road.

The Ukrainian woman explained she was returning from work and while crossing the road she was hit and lost consciousness. Prior to attempting to cross the road the woman claimed she had looked in both directions. The victim was hospitalised for 17 days due to head injuries.

The court presided by Magistrate Demicoli ruled there was no evidence to prove Bonello had been driving negligently or in a dangerous manner. However it was clearly explained the Ukrainian crossed the road in a negligent way, endangering herself.

Inspector Gabriel Micallef prosecuted.