Helensvale trackwork rider Kirsty Anne Batson sentenced after causing horror crash

A Gold Coast trackwork rider who caused a head-on crash that left her in a coma and shattered the legs of a bus driver had previously racked up more than 11 traffic offences in just five days a court has heard.

A Gold Coast trackwork rider has faced court after crossing a double white line crashing head-on into a bus full of passengers, leaving the bus driver’s legs shattered.

Helensvale resident Kirsty Ann Batson pleaded guilty in Beaudesert Magistrates Court today (August 10) to one count of driving without due care causing grievous bodily harm and one count of not meeting the conditions of her licence.

Kirsty Ann Batson pleaded guilty in Beaudesert Magistrates Court on August 10.

The court heard the 24-year-old was out partying with friends at a Gold Coast club on August 15 last year till 1.30am before heading to a work shift at 4.30am.

She then drove to her mother’s house in Cedar Grove four hours later.

“She was the author of her own tragedy by the way she behaved herself, the day before, the night before and the day of the accident, that caused significant consequences to members of the public,” police prosecutor Sergeant Reece Foort said.

Batson was seen crossing double white lines at a left-hand bend on Mundoolun Rd before colliding head-on with a bus, carrying 24 passengers on a parachuting tour.

A following car then hit the rear of the bus.

“Witnesses confirmed that the defendant's vehicle came onto the wrong side of the road,” Sergeant Foort said.

“When questioned she stated she could not recall anything from the incident on the weekend of the crash.”

Batson’s car was seen crossing double white lines at a left-hand bend on Mundoolun Rd before colliding head-on with a bus

Batson had previously been convicted of more than 11 traffic offences in a five day period, mostly speeding offences.

“It’s a fairly concerning traffic history given her age,” he said.

Batson’s lawyer, Andrew Hanlon, said his client was remorseful for her actions.

“The injuries the bus rider and passengers endured have caused significant stress on my client,” Mr Hanlan said.

Batson suffered injuries to her brain, neck and spine and was in an induced coma for five days.

None

Magistrate Tracy Mossop said the accident was evidently caused by fatigue.

“There’s clearly some evidence that Ms Batson did not have a lot of sleep the night before,” Ms Mossop said.

The bus driver involved in the crash was trapped inside the vehicle for more than an hour.

“He had no feeling in his legs at the time and described seeing the deep slices and bones from his legs,” Ms Mossop said.

“Someone yelled out fire when they saw smoke. Can you think of how scary that would have been for him?”

“He really thought that he was going to die.”

The 74-year-old man was not able to return to work for three months and still struggles with walking, the court heard.

“He suffered degloving of his leg, his right foot broken was broken, (there were), several broken toes, several screws in his legs, punctures to his left side, fracture to his pelvis, bruising,” Ms Mossop said.

“Suddenly on that day his life changed forever.”

“Now walking, just a simple task of walking is painful for him, he’s going to suffer for the rest of his life.”

Batson was convicted and sentenced to four months’ jail, wholly suspended for 18 months, for driving without due care.

She was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay compensation of $4000 to the bus driver.

“Fatigue can kill just as much as alcohol,” Ms Mossop warned.