A truck driver was not driving dangerously when he rammed into the back of a school bus, seriously injuring seven children, a jury has found.
Jamie Gleeson was on Wednesday found not guilty of seven counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury by a jury in the County Court of Victoria.
Gleeson was accused of failing to maintain a proper distance from the bus or paying significant attention before crashing into the back of the vehicle on May 16, 2023.
Seven students were seriously injured in the crash 900 metres from Exford Primary School, west of Melbourne.
The 50-year-old denied the allegations, maintaining he was not driving dangerously.
Gleeson told police he did not see the brake lights or indicator of the bus until the last second and it appeared as if the bus had forgotten to turn.
Bus driver Graham Stanley previously told the court he began tapping on the brake pedal, activating the retarder system, about 100 metres before the crash.
He was unaware if the brake lights remained on throughout the entire slowing-down period but maintained his right-turn indicator was also on at the same time.
Gleeson’s truck hit the back of the turning bus, causing the vehicle to spin and roll on its side.
The jury was told the truck skidded for about 25 metres before the collision and was going 67km/h at the point of impact.
A later assessment of the truck found its brakes were faulty, although Gleeson was unaware of the issues and the truck had been regularly serviced.
Gleeson did not have any drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of the crash and there was no evidence of speeding or that he used his phone before the collision.
In a statement, a representative from Gleeson’s legal team said the driver still feels the impact of the crash.
“Mr Gleeson remains completely shattered by the incident that occurred and his involvement in it, he feels immensely for the children involved and their families,” they said.
“He explained how the collision occurred to the police the morning following and he is grateful to the jury for their consideration and attention in determining his case.”
