Jack Aston found guilty of negligence over Montague St bridge bus crash
A BUS driver who ploughed into the infamous Montague St bridge after ignoring five warning signs has been found guilty of negligence over the horror crash.
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A BUS driver who ploughed into the infamous Montague St bridge has been found guilty of negligence over the horror crash.
Six passengers suffered horrific injuries including spinal and back fractures from the February 2016 crash.
One sustained amnesia from a brain injury.
DRIVER IGNORED WARNING SIGNS BEFORE CRASH
Driver Jack Aston, 55, was today convicted by a County Court jury on six counts of negligence causing serious injury following a two-week trial.
He had pleaded not guilty to all counts but the jury was unanimous in their verdict on all charges.
Aston’s wife wept as the verdicts were delivered.
Judge Bill Stuart thanked the jury for their work, saying the trial had been a difficult one.
The court heard Aston had ignored five warning signs before crashing into the bridge.
The first sign, 290m from the bridge, stated there was a low bridge ahead with a 3m height clearance and that high vehicles should detour.
Similar traffic signposts warned motorists approaching 140m, 72m, 55m and 12m before the bridge.
A further sign on the bridge declared its low clearance, with red and white signage to draw attention to drivers.
Prosecutor Robert Barry said the Ballarat bus driver had breached his duty of care to his passengers.
“There were five warning signs leading up to the bridge,” Mr Barry said.
“Warning signs alerting drivers of vehicles of height to be aware of the low clearance bridge and the need for these high vehicles to detour.
“All were in working order on the day.”
His bail was extended with Judge Stuart stressing that wasn’t an indication he wouldn’t ultimately end up in prison.
A plea hearing has been set down for December 4