A BUS driver ran over and killed a man who was banging on the door to be let on the last service home, a court heard yesterday.

Paul Siddoway, 40, from Darlington, was crushed under the wheels on the Arriva X66 at Middlesbrough bus station last October.

David Luck, 59, is this week on trial at Teesside Crown Court where he faces a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Luck deliberately drove off without letting on his final passenger because he was impatient.

It was suggested he might have been unwilling to wait for Mr Siddoway to finish his cigarette before getting on the bus.

Mr Luck, of Bowes Court, Darlington, denies the charge and is facing a trial which is scheduled to last for five days.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court yesterday that the passenger – who was carrying his pet terrier – was killed instantly.

In an interview after his arrest, Mr Luck said he was aware of Mr Siddoway at the platform but not at the door of his vehicle.

He told police that he realised there had been “a bump” and stopped the bus on the station concourse and called an ambulance.

Mr Perks told the jury Mr Luck told a paramedic that the deceased had “come out of nowhere” and started banging on the door.

“This shows he was aware of the presence of Mr Siddoway,” said the prosecutor. “We invite you to look at how this unfortunate incident occurred.

“We would like to draw to your attention what you may feel was exhibited by this defendant as he made off from the bus stand.

“Secondly, that while he was driving away – despite his denials later in interview – he was aware of the presence of Mr Siddoway moving alongside that bus and banging on the door, and that he, despite that knowledge, took the deliberate decision to completely ignore the risk that would have been obvious.

“After the first three passengers had boarded the bus, the defendant closed the doors – impatient, perhaps, that he didn't want to wait for Mr Siddoway to extinguish his cigarette or, perhaps, not wanting to take him onto the bus with the dog.”

The trial continues.