Bus driver admits causing crash that killed Sheffield teen and left friend fighting for life

A BUS driver has admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving after a crash in Sheffield that left one teenager dead and another fighting for life.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Mar 2017, 16:18 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:40 BST
The scene of the crashThe scene of the crash
The scene of the crash

Paul Andrew Brown, 51, who worked for the First bus company, collided with Summer Seymour, 15 and her boyfriend, Jake Ford, 17, in Sheffield city centre, in December 2015.

The couple were travelling to Summer’s grandmother’s home, intending to catch a bus in Haymarket, when they were struck by a bus as they crossed the road.

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Miss Seymour, 15, from Hillsborough, who was a pupil at Bradfield School, died following the collision.

Floral tributes left at the crash sceneFloral tributes left at the crash scene
Floral tributes left at the crash scene

Mr Ford suffered internal bleeding, a crushed pelvis, leg and collar bone as well dislocated fingers. He also suffered a punctured lung, broken vertebrae in his back and a damaged bladder.

Brown, of Cannon Hall Road, Fir Vale, who is to be sentenced next month, admitted his guilt during a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court.

After the hearing, Mr Ford said: “It is a relief that the driver pleaded guilty, taking responsibility for his actions. However, nothing will change the fact that it has been life-changing for so many people.

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“The incident has had a huge impact on mine and my family’s lives and left Summer’s family and friends devastated, and ultimately, today’s guilty plea will not undo that. I just hope drivers take more responsibility for their actions in future.”

Summer SeymourSummer Seymour
Summer Seymour

Mr Ford has instructed expert serious injury specialists at the law firm Irwin Mitchell to seek compensation.

Kelly Lingard, who is representing him, said: “This is an incredibly sad case in which the careless actions of a driver left a young man with serious, life-changing injuries and tragically took the life of a young girl.

"Jake is still coming to terms with his injuries and he still faces a long road to a full recovery. The guilty plea entered by the driver spared Jake the stress and anxiety of a trial and he can now begin to try and move on from this and focus on his recovery.

“We are working with Jake to help him overcome his injuries in the best way he can and will be looking to help him access funds he will require for his ongoing therapy and recovery.”