FORMER BUS DRIVER AT CENTRE OF ARRETON CRASH DENIES INJURING PASSENGERS BY DANGEORUS DRIVING

49-year-old Paul Brookes has denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving more than 2 years after a major incident involving a double decker bus in which 3 people suffered broken backs. Mr Brookes, of New Road in Brading, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court this afternoon (Tuesday) charged in connection with the serious crash that occurred near Arreton in December 2021. The former Southern Vectis driver, who no longer works for the company, is accused of missing his turning to Merstone and continuing 100m into a field. Over the past 2 years, Police have conducted an in-depth investigation into the incident in which a total of 13 people were injured – 3 of them seriously. Liz Miller, prosecuting, outlined some brief details of the case including that the 3 people most seriously injured in the crash were all on the top deck and all sustained broken backs. 1 of those 3 also sustained a broken leg. Ms Miller explained how it took emergency services 90 minutes to extricate the injured passengers, who fell from their seats as the bus hit a bank. Mr Brookes denies 3 counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The case has been adjourned to the Isle of Wight Crown Court where a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on 18th March.