Bus driver Gary Kearney admits killing Beata Torz in Glasgow
A bus driver has admitted running over and killing a woman in Glasgow.
Gary Kearney's double decker bus struck Beata Torz as she crossed Carntyne Road, at its junction with Duke Street, on 15 December 2010.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, the 41-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention and causing the death of Ms Torz.
Sheriff Sam Cathcart deferred sentence on Kearney until next month for background reports.
The court heard that Kearney had been driving the bus between Easterhouse and Faifley. At about 19:50, the vehicle 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 onto 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."
When he looked underneath the bus he saw Ms Torz lying motionless.
She had been knocked to the ground by the front of the bus and killed when the front left wheel ran over her.
Kearney later told police that he had not worked any overtime and had sufficient sleep and breaks.
Crash investigators produced a report which found that both Ms Torz and Kearney were to blame, as she had chosen to cross where it was unsafe.
Mr Roberts told the court: "However, Gary Kearney failed to take proper observations before turning onto Duke Street.
"Despite the fact that the deceased was wearing dark clothing and crossing away from a pool of light cast by the street lamp, she should have been visible in the vehicle's headlights had the driver looked properly."