Sheffield father who was hit by a bus on the A61 in Hillsborough and spent 17 days in a coma with 'horrific' injuries, does not hold a grudge

Garon White, 26, spent 24 days in hospital and has been left with life-changing injuries after he was knocked down by a bus on the A61 Penistone Road in Hillsborough, Sheffield, which failed to stop.

Due to the severity of his injuries, which included a fractured skull and two bleeds on the brain, Mr White’s family were told he would not survive the collision and police treated the case as a potentially fatal collision.

Mr White said: “The extent of my injuries mean that I cannot recall what happened, but I understand we had crossed the traffic lane which runs away from the city and were waiting to cross the inbound lane when the incident happened.

“Apparently I was knocked unconscious. The only thing I remember is waking up in hospital. It was hugely distressing and confusing, while it was also a huge shock when I was told what had gone on.

After the collision at 4.10am on 24 November 2018, witnesses described how bus driver Anthony Naylor said: "Look at these d*******. You better move because I'm not stopping," seconds before the impact.

After a loud bang, Naylor said: "I just hit him," in a "flippant throwaway way," prosecutor Louise Gallagher told Sheffield Crown Court, on Friday.

He was taking four fellow drivers to work when he hit Mr White as he ran across Penistone Road with a friend after visiting the casino.

Naylor, 51, of Miles Road, Shirecliffe, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, on February 27.

Despite the serious and life-changing nature of his injuries, Mr White said he doesn't "hold a grudge" and said he did not want the driver to go to prison.

Judge Sarah Wright told Naylor it was an “arrogant and selfish act” which showed “wanton disregard for another human being”.

She paid tribute to Mr White who, despite “horrendous injuries, has made it clear he doesn't want to see your life blighted any further”.

“His selflessness and generosity contrast starkly with your selfishness.”

Naylor received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was banned from driving for two years.

Mr White said: “From what I was told about the crash, being allowed home from hospital was the best Christmas present I could have ever wished for. However, my life has been completely turned upside down."

David Withers, a partner and expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, representing Mr White, said after the hearing: “Garon suffered devastating injuries in the collision which have had a profound effect on his life and that of his family.

“His case vividly highlights the dangers that vulnerable road users such as pedestrians can face by motorists not paying attention."

Following his discharge, Mr White underwent surgery and is due to undergo further surgery to insert more titanium plates into his skull. In the meantime he is required to wear protective headgear.

He said: “My brain injury means I don’t know what the future holds for me but I am trying to remain positive and look to the future rather than the past.

“Today is a major milestone in being able to do that. I now want to focus on my recovery and spending time with my family.

“I just hope that by speaking out drivers are aware of the damage they can cause and take care when driving.”