A father-of-four who had part of his skull removed after he was hit by a bus has spoken out about his life-changing injuries after the driver walked free from court.
Garon White was in a coma for 17 days after he was struck in the face and knocked down by a bus wing mirror on 24 November, 2018.
The 26-year-old’s injuries were so severe, police initially handled the collision as a potentially fatal incident and his family were told to expect the worst.
Miraculously, Garon began to recover and was eventually discharged and returned home to his family on Christmas Eve 2018.
On Friday (19 June), the driver, Antony Naylor, 51, who also failed to stop at the scene, was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months at Sheffield Crown Court.
He had pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident at a previous hearing in February.
Garon, from Sheffield, South Yorks., has now spoken out about his life-changing injuries and to warn drivers about the consequences of breaking the law.
He said: “My life has been completely turned upside down.
“My brain injury means I don’t know what the future holds for me but I am trying to remain positive and look to the future rather than the past.
“I just hope that by speaking out drivers are aware of the damage they can cause and take care when driving.”
Garon, who shares four children with partner, Demi, 24, had just left a takeaway and was crossing Penistone Road in Sheffield, South Yorks., when he was struck in the face by a passing bus’s wing mirror.
He was taken to Northern General Hospital and then Royal Hallamshire Hospital where he underwent surgery to remove part of his skull and remained in a coma for 17 days.
Now back home with his family, Garon will have to undergo further surgery to insert more titanium plates into his skull and he must wear protective headgear in the meantime.
Garon said: “The extent of my injuries mean I cannot recall what happened, but I understand we had crossed the traffic lane which runs away from the city and were waiting to cross the inbound lane when the incident happened.
“Apparently I was knocked unconscious. The only thing I remember is waking up in hospital. It was hugely distressing and confusing, while it was also a huge shock when I was told what had gone on.
“I could only imagine how upset and anxious Demi and the rest of the family were at that time.
“From what I was told about the crash, being allowed home from hospital was the best Christmas present I could have ever wished for.”
Garon added: “I now want to focus on my recovery and spending time with my family.”
Naylor was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months and disqualified from driving for two years. He will have to take an extended retest.
Following the incident, Garon instructed serious injury lawyers, Irwin Mitchell, to help investigate the collision and access the specialist rehabilitation he requires.
After the hearing, David Withers, representing Garon, said: “Garon suffered devastating injuries in the collision which have had a profound effect on his life and that of his family.
“His case vividly highlights the dangers that vulnerable road users such as pedestrians can face by motorists not paying attention.
“While many people with a brain injury may no longer show any physical signs after their initial recovery the effects can last for many years. Garon has made tremendous progress in his recovery but still faces many challenges.
“We are pleased the sentencing will now allow Garon to focus on the future. We are determined to ensure that he can access all of the support he is now likely to require to overcome his injuries the best he can.”