Leslie Turnbull's family 'devastated'

A bus driver who ran over and killed a cyclist has been handed a 12-month community order and a two-year driving ban at Newcastle Crown Court.

Bus driver John Yates, 57, pulled away from a junction in Washington on the morning of January 15th this year, failing to give way to Leslie Turnbull, 46. He struck Mr Turnbull and pulled him under the bus for 24 metres before stopping.

Emergency services were called to the scene, only to confirm that Mr Turnbull had already died.

When Mr Turnbull didn't arrive at work his family followed his cycling route and discovered the scene of the accident.

Mr Turnbull had right of way and was wearing flashing lights on the back and front of his bike.

The court heard that one witness sounded their car horn when they noticed Mr Yates had not stopped after the collision at the Barmston Wayjunction on an underpass under the A1231.

Yates, who has worked as a professional bus driver for 35 years, admittedcausing death by careless driving.

Stuart Graham, defending, described Yates, who served in the army beforebecoming a bus driver, as a "broken man".

Judge John Milford QC said to Mr Yates: "Your carelessness caused the death of another and untold pain of his family. This weighs heavily upon you and will continue to do so for many years to come."

Judge Milford sentenced Yates to a 12 month community order withsupervision and disqualified him from driving for two years.

Mr Turnbull's family spoke to ITV outside the court this morning