Bateau Bay: Bus driver Craig Marjoram, 64, pleads not guilty to crash that killed Leigh Black

A bus driver has entered a plea over a tragic fatal crash that claimed the life of mother-of-two Leigh Black at a pedestrian crossing outside Bateau Bay Square shopping centre.

Bus driver Crag Marjoram, 64, has pleaded not guilty over the crash which killed pedestrian Leigh Black, 46, outside Bateau Bay Square shopping centre. Picture: supplied

A bus driver will be arraigned in Gosford District Court next month after entering a plea over a fatal crash at Bateau Bay in August.

Craig Hollan Marjoram, of Killarney Vale, appeared at Wyong Local Court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to one count of dangerous driving occasioning death — drive manner dangerous.

He was not required to enter a plea to a backup charge of negligent driving occasioning death.

The 64-year-old was adjourned for arraignment in the District Court on April 20 when a trial date is expected to be set.

Charge sheets tendered in court allege Mr Marjoram was driving a Red Bus service about 9.25am on August 19, 2022, when he allegedly collided with Leigh Black near the pedestrian crossing at the Woolworths end of the shopping centre.

Paramedics were called to the scene outside Bateau Bay Square and worked on the mother-of-two but she could not be revived.

Leigh Black, 46. Picture: Facebook

Craig Hollan Marjoram, 64. Picture: NewsLocal

Mr Marjoram returned a negative roadside breath test and was taken for mandatory blood and urine tests.

He was later taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with the offences before the court.

Mrs Black was remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife and tireless small business owner who moved to the Central Coast from Sydney four years ago before opening the Simply Better Wine bottle shop and deli at Avoca Beach.

A friend started a GoFundMe page to raise money on behalf of Mrs Black’s husband Jeff, children and family to upgrade a park or purchase playground facilities in her memory.

“Leigh was beautiful, kind and full of life,” the fundraising page states.

“Leigh was an extremely giving person and always put others before herself. Leigh was a local business owner, who was extremely hard working, she was also actively involved in our local community and always gave back to charities close to her heart.”