A grieving mother has apologized to the bus driver accused of killing her daughter after fiery scenes during her first court appearance.
Lindsay Francis Selby, 70, faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with careless driving causing the death of 18-year-old Tia Cameron.
Selby allegedly drove a bus onto a pavement on Edward Street in central Brisbane, striking Cameron and pinning him against a wall during rush hour on March 8.
Ms Cameron died at the scene.
About 20 family members and supporters, some wearing T-shirts with Tia’s photo on the front, gathered for the court appearance. Some of them began to verbally attack Selby both inside the court and when she was leaving the building.
Cameron’s mother, Jade Te Awhitu, called the outbursts “a disgrace” in a letter of apology to the accused.
“I would like to apologise to Mr Selby for the bullying and abuse he received in court today from some, he should never be subject to such disrespect and I will not stand for this type of behaviour,” he told Selby in a statement via mail.
‘Despite all my pain and the pain of my family, today we feel for you and I apologize with all my heart.
The mother of 18-year-old Tia Cameron (pictured) has issued an apology to the bus driver who is facing court for the first time charged with reckless driving causing her death.
‘I also ask those who decide to attend court in the future to respect our family, the court process and, most importantly, Tia’s memory.
“This behavior is a disgrace to my family and the memory of my daughter.”
Judge Ross Mack had to delay Selby’s case for 30 minutes as his supporters slowly filled the small courtroom.
Ms Cameron’s partner, Hayden McKinlay, stood near the defendant and stared at him before the matter was heard.
The crowd was angry when Magistrate Mack adjourned the case for two months, even though that is a common outcome in first appearances.
Prosecutors had requested time to complete a forensic report of the accident and deliver it to the defense before continuing with the process.
Some supporters voiced their frustrations to the court, with one saying: “I’m joking.”
Another took aim at Selby, calling him a “fucking moron”, before Mr Mack intervened.
“Don’t try it, I’ve given you the courtesy of letting you in, just let it take its course,” he told the audience.
Magistrate Mack asked if security was required, however Selby’s defense lawyer Claire McGee rejected the offer.
Lindsay Francis Selby, 70, (centre), was charged with one count of reckless driving causing death after allegedly driving onto a kerb and killing Ms Cameron in Brisbane on March 8.
Supporters wearing T-shirts of the murdered teenager (pictured) gathered for an appearance by bus driver Lindsay Selby.
Protected by his own supporters, Selby was verbally abused by his followers, some of whom had to be restrained by others or followed down the street as he left.
Selby did not enter a plea during his brief arraignment and is due back in court on September 4.
Friends and family mourned the tragic death of Ms Cameron during an emotional funeral service at Brisbane’s Hillsong Theatre on March 14.
Attendees heard that Ms Cameron had always wanted to be a mother, travel the world and buy a house with her partner Mr McKinlay.
A powerful tribute read on Mr Mckinlay’s behalf spoke of their love and future plans together, revealing the last words they said to each other were “I love you”.