Key Facts
- Defendant
- Mirsime Berisha, 49, Albanian bus driver
- Victim
- Kathleen Finnegan, 56, property executive
- Incident date
- January 29, 2024
- Location
- Outside London Victoria Station
- Charge
- Causing death by dangerous driving (denied)
- Prosecution claim
- No mechanical defects or environmental factors contributed
Background
Mirsime Berisha, a 49-year-old Albanian bus driver, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court over the death of Kathleen Finnegan, a 56-year-old property executive. The incident occurred on January 29, 2024, outside London Victoria Station, when a double-decker bus struck Ms Finnegan.
Berisha, who was assisted in court by an Albanian interpreter, has admitted careless driving but denies one count of causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that after the crash, she sobbed, 'I've killed her,' and repeatedly claimed the handbrake had failed.
Current Situation
Prosecutor Frederick Hookway told the court that forensic collision investigators found 'no mechanical defects with the vehicle which could have been a contributory factor to the collision.' He added that there were 'no contributory environmental factors, it was overcast, but dry and clear,' and no potholes in the road surface.
Footage played in court showed the parked No13 bus suddenly veering diagonally at speed, hitting Ms Finnegan before crashing into a bus shed. Witnesses recounted Berisha shouting, 'I've killed her, she is under the bus,' and fainting several times. Further testing revealed the bus 'would not have been able to move from rest or continue driving while the park brake was engaged.'
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Mirsime Berisha, 49 |
| Victim | Kathleen Finnegan, 56 |
| Incident date | January 29, 2024 |
| Location | London Victoria Station |
| Charge | Causing death by dangerous driving |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Prosecutor | Frederick Hookway |
| Court | Southwark Crown Court |
| Vehicle | No13 double-decker bus |
| Mechanical defects | None found |
| Environmental factors | Overcast, dry, clear |
| Road surface | No potholes |
Impacts
Ms Finnegan's family and friends wept as the prosecutor outlined the facts. The case highlights the legal distinction between careless and dangerous driving, which carries different penalties. If convicted of dangerous driving, Berisha could face a custodial sentence.
The incident has also raised questions about bus safety and driver training, though investigators found no vehicle defects. The outcome may influence how similar cases are prosecuted, particularly regarding the burden of proving dangerous driving beyond carelessness.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The jury will decide whether Berisha's driving was merely careless or dangerous. If they accept the prosecution's argument that the error was 'so substantial as to be dangerous,' she could be convicted. If they side with the defense, she may be acquitted of the more serious charge.
Depending on the verdict, Berisha could face imprisonment or a lesser penalty. The case may also prompt reviews of bus safety protocols, though no such measures have been announced. The trial continues, and further evidence may emerge.
Source: dailymail.com
