London bus driver says he slowed vehicle before collision

LONDON: The London bus driver on trial for a hit—and—run case that killed a Singaporean student told a jury on Monday that he had slowed his double—decker bus to three kilometres per hour when the collision happened.

Shahriar Firouzian is accused of causing the death of 20—year—old Tan Mingwei, who was a third—year medical student at Cambridge University, by careless driving on 30 September 2010. He denied the charges.

The trial, which is expected to last around seven days, began last week. Several expert witnesses have given their views during the trial.

The prosecution’s contention is that 52—year—old Shahriar Firouzian did not keep a proper lookout for the victim who was crossing in front of his bus.

The court heard that closed—circuit television taken from the double—decker bus driven by Shahriar Firouzian showed that he had slowed down to about three kilometres an hour as he negotiated a bend and collided into the victim.

Testimonies were also heard from police and 3D modelling experts seeking to work out exactly the route the bus would have taken, and how it would have been driven.

The hearing continues.

— CNA/de