Michael Whitton: Kensington bus crash driver’s mental health request
A bus driver who allegedly failed to stop at a red light and crashed into another bus has made an appeal to have his charges dismissed on mental health grounds.
Southern Courier
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- Kensington: Bus crash near UNSW, woman in serious condition
- Kensington: Charges laid over double bus crash near UNSW
A bus driver accused of running a red light in Kensington prior to a double bus crash which badly injured a passenger will apply for his charges to be dismissed on mental health grounds, a court has heard.
Michael Allan Whitton, 53, from Frenchs Forest, was driving a bus in wet conditions on the afternoon of Monday, July 27 near UNSW.
He was involved in a crash with another bus at the intersection of Anzac Parade and High St about 4.15pm.
Police have since charged Whitton with three offences including not stop at stop line at red light, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
Police allege in court documents that Whitton failed to stop at a stop line when approaching a red traffic light.
Emergency services were called to the scene following the crash, and confirmed both buses were carrying passengers at the time of the crash.
One passenger, Hsiu Li, 47, was treated for serious head injuries and she was taken to hospital.
Whitton also suffered minor leg injuries.
Whitton was due to front Waverley Local Court on Wednesday but his lawyer sent a message to the court asking for his matter to be adjourned for an application to be made under section 32 of the Mental Health Act.
If the application is successful on the next occasion before the court, Whitton’s charges will be dismissed and he will be diverted from the justice system into the care of health professionals.
His matter has been adjourned until October 8. No pleas have been entered.
Transport for NSW has been contacted for comment on Whitton’s has been suspended.
Transit Systems – which operates buses in Sydney’s inner west (region six) – would not comment on Whitton’s current employment within the company while the matter remains before the courts.