Mahnoor Malik, 21, pleads guilty to death by careless driving over fatal Hayborough crash

A woman driving a disability bus has pleaded guilty after a crash killed a passenger in a wheelchair, who was on a respite visit.

A Northfield woman has pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after a crash near Port Elliot that killed a woman in a wheelchair last year.

Mahnoor Malik, 21, entered her plea at the Adelaide Magistrates Court last week.

Defence for Ms Malik said negotiations were continuing for another charge – one count of causing serious harm by careless driving.

Mahnoor Malik leaving court, this time wearing a heavy hooded jacket and dark sunglasses. Picture: Dean Martin

Ms Malik was allegedly behind the wheel of a disability transport van that ploughed into a tree at the intersection of Ocean and Port Elliot roads at Hayborough last September.

Passenger Debbie Johnston, 59, was killed in the collision while Ms Malik and another passenger, a 30-year-old Croydon Park woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

The van was transporting Ms Johnston, who was in a wheelchair, on a respite visit to the area.

Mahnoor Malik had pleaded guilty to death by careless use of a vehicle following a collision near Port Elliot. Picture: Dean Martin

Friends described Ms Johnston as a “character” who was “always up for a chat.”

“Good memories, sad times rest with the angels Debbie. Blessings to her family,” said friend Desley Davis following the tragedy.

Ms Malik had been issued with an instant loss of licence after the collision.

The 21-year-old woman remains on bail.

The case will return to court next month.

Originally published as Mahnoor Malik, 21, pleads guilty to death by careless driving over fatal Hayborough crash