Bus driver appeals conviction in Tia Cameron death crash
Lindsay Francis Selby, the Brisbane City Council bus driver found guilty of causing the death of 18-year-old Tia Cameron, is fighting to overturn his conviction in court.
The Brisbane bus driver convicted of killing teenage pedestrian Tia Cameron has launched an appeal against his conviction, arguing that his actions did not amount to criminal negligence. Lindsay Francis Selby appeared in court on Friday, just metres from the victim’s family, as both sides debated the events leading up to the fatal crash on March 8, 2024.
Crash details and court proceedings
Cameron, 18, died after being pinned against a wall in Anzac Square Arcade on Edward Street when the bus Selby was driving swerved to avoid a slowing SUV. The incident occurred in the Brisbane CBD. Selby was found guilty in October last year of driving without due care and attention causing death. He received an eight-month suspended sentence and a 12-month driving ban. The conviction was recorded, and Selby is now seeking to have it overturned.
Legal arguments over braking and misjudgment
Much of the appeal hearing centered on the timing of Selby's braking. Defence barrister Saul Holt argued that the driver had limited time to react and that his misjudgment was understandable. Prosecutor Susan Hedge countered that Selby should have begun braking earlier and failed to do so, leading to the collision. Judge Bernand Porter KC noted, “The tragedy of this case is … so many of us might make equivalent misjudgments from time to time without the appalling consequences of this.” The court also replayed footage of the crash, which drew emotional reactions from supporters of the teenager.
Impact on the Cameron family
Cameron’s mother, Jade Te Awhitu, previously told the court her family was heartbroken. “My world is darker and smaller, and I feel so much lonelier without her,” she said. The family and friends of Cameron have been present throughout the proceedings, seeking justice for the loss of a young life.
Next steps
Judge Porter did not set a date for his verdict but said finalizing the case would become his priority. The outcome of Selby's appeal will determine whether the conviction stands or is quashed, potentially reshaping accountability for similar driving incidents in Queensland.