THE 77-YEAR-OLD MALE VICTIM ENDURED “NUMEROUS” OPERATIONS TO SAVE HIS LEG. 00:06, 03 Jun 2025Updated 12:43, 03 Jun 2025 A bus driver who went through a red light and hit an elderly

pedestrian has narrowly avoided prison. The 77-year-old male victim endured “numerous” operations to save his leg following the crash in Hamilton town centre. Norman Hamilton, 58, of

Skylands Rise, Hamilton, was ordered to carry out unpaid work, given an electronic tag and banned from driving for five years. He admitted causing the victim severe injury, lasting scars and

permanent impairment by driving dangerously on Townhead Street on March 14 last year. Danielle McDonald, prosecuting, told Hamilton Sheriff Court the collision happened around 10.30am when

from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the

sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Ms McDonald told the court: “[The victim] had begun to cross the road slowly. The

bus struck him, knocking him to the ground. “A witness then observed the rear nearside wheels of the bus go over [the victim’s] legs. “The witness went to his aid immediately, using a

makeshift tourniquet to stem the heavy bleeding. “When police arrived the bus driver identified himself. He was physically shaken by the incident.” The victim was taken by ambulance to Queen

Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. He was found to have “significantly life-altering” leg injuries. Ms McDonald added: “He was in hospital for nearly two months and during that time

underwent numerous surgeries to save his right leg. He required skin grafts from both hands.” READ MORE: Motherwell model encourages others to 'empower in every step' as she aims

for Miss Great Britain crownREAD MORE: Claremont Rambling Club enjoyed a sunny Sunday stroll on the coast CCTV footage of the collision was shown in court. It appeared the bus was being

driven at just 11 miles an hour prior to the impact. Hamilton’s lawyer said his client had been a bus driver with a clean licence since 1993, but gave up his job after the crash. His only

explanation for going through the red light was that he had been distracted by another bus approaching from a different direction. The married dad of two had never before been in trouble and

wished to apologise to the victim. His solicitor added: “This matter has had a big impact on him. He has struggled with it.” Sheriff Colin Dunipace said he’d read a “harrowing” victim

impact statement that described the life-changing consequences of the crash. READ MORE: Brute left partner bruised 'all over her body' after domestic attackREAD MORE: Man dies

following crash on Hamilton road He told Hamilton: “You have shown what I believe is genuine remorse and I know you must live with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life.

“I had considered imposing a considerable custodial sentence but have decided, with some hesitation, to draw back from that. “I take account of your previous good character and driving

record. “I also accept that this was a lapse of concentration rather than you deliberately ignoring the risks for other road users.” Hamilton must complete 250 hours of unpaid work within a

year. Article continues below An electronic tag means he will be confined to his home between 7pm and 7am each day for the next 12 months. READ MORE: Praise for cancer charity based in

Wishaw with team of over 120 volunteer drivers _*DON'T MISS THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM AROUND LANARKSHIRE. SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERS HERE._ _AND DID YOU KNOW LANARKSHIRE LIVE HAD ITS

OWN APP? DOWNLOAD YOURS FOR FREE HERE._