Motorcyclist died when Royal Mail postman forced her into path of tourist bus, court hears

Ms Fargin said the group was travelling in single file, with Ms Bater bringing up the rear.

“They were making their way on the road when they came towards the Royal Mail van,” she said.

“This van had been parked on that carriageway and Mr Wallace had got out to try and make a delivery.

“As he comes back, he stands at the front of the vehicle and the motorcyclists go past him.”

The court heard that at this point a tour bus was coming from the opposite direction of travel, on the other side of the road.

“[Ms Bater] was going about 18-21mph,” said Ms Fargin.

“Mr Wallace opened the door, initially slightly, and then further for him to get in.

“The opening of the door causes contact with the handlebar of Ms Bater, causes her bike to veer and she is run over by the coach.

“The injuries sustained were not compatible with life and she died at the scene.”

The court heard Mr Wallace told police he had heard the first few motorbikes, but didn’t hear or see Ms Bater and “wasn’t aware she was there”.

‘Very brief moment with very big consequences’

“We say she was there to be seen, on a yellow motorcycle, had a headlight on,” said Ms Fargin.

“He was walking towards her and thought he had room, space and time.

“A very brief moment with very big consequences.

“We say it is wilful neglect.”

Calvin Folkes, who was driving the coach at the time of the collision, said he had no time to take evasive action.

The coach driver of 20 years, who was transporting around 54 American and Canadian tourists from Stonehenge to Bath, said he saw Mr Wallace carrying a package back to his van.

“All I remember was something hitting the bottom of the bus,” he told jurors.

“And then I had to brake hard and come out of the vehicle and park up.

“Next thing I knew there was a person on the floor with significant injuries.

“All I could do was brake and secure my vehicle.”

The trial continues.