Bus death driver cleared by judge

A 57-year-old bus driver has been cleared of killing a lollipop lady who was hit by his vehicle.

Stephen Wilson was accused of causing death by dangerous driving after Stephanie Davies was knocked down outside a school in Salford.

The bus crossed the road and mounted the pavement on Liverpool Street before hitting the 35-year-old.

Judge Peter Lakin directed the jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to find Mr Wilson not guilty.

Mr Wilson was behind the wheel of the single-deck M10 Arriva bus service when the incident happened in September 2006, the jury heard.

Charge denied

Prosecutor Adrian Farrow had claimed Wilson suffered a coughing fit moments before the collision.

Mrs Davies, of Wychbury Street, Salford, was fatally injured as she worked near Seedley County Primary School.

Her husband Martin, who had come to meet her and collect their daughter Anna from school, was one of the first on the scene.

In a statement released on Friday, Mr Davies said: "Steph was a warm, wonderful mother and wife. She loved working with children and lost her life doing a job she loved.

"She was well loved by the community, which was shocked by the event. The community have given us great family support since this event and I wish to pass on my thanks to them all."

Mr Wilson, of Coniston Grove, Salford, had denied causing death by dangerous driving.

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