A bus driver pleaded not guilty yesterday to causing the death by dangerous driving of a young boy passenger.
Deborah White, 40, was behind the wheel of a Stagecoach bus when 12-year-old Jamie Lee Wells, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, was killed in Burlam Road, Middlesbrough, after he got off the double-decker on Friday, March 8
When she stands trial in the New Year it is likely that the bus, which has been impounded since the fatal accident, will be inspected by the jury, Teesside Crown Court was told by Nicholas Campbell, prosecuting, and Tim Roberts for the defence.
A number of child witnesses who were on the bus travelling home from school are expected to give evidence in the case, which is due to last between five and seven days.
Mrs White, of Hollinside Road, Billingham, who pleaded not guilty yesterday when the charge was put to her in court for the first time, was remanded on unconditional bail until her trial on a date to be fixed. She left court with a large group of relatives and friends, including other bus drivers.
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