A bus driver who swerved into the path of an oncoming car has been jailed for causing the death of a much-loved York school worker.
Jonathan Eaves, 25, of Preston, was sentenced to four years and eight months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
Saskia Bets, 27, died from the injuries she sustained in the collision. After the sentence at York Crown Court today (Thursday), her family said: “There is no punishment that would do justice to this death.”
The crash happened on the morning of 26 January 2021 on the A19, near Tollerton, just south of Easingwold.
Eaves was driving a Volvo bus northbound, with no passengers on board. A cyclist was riding in the same direction ahead of him.
As it reached the cyclist, the bus swerved to the right, making contact with the very end of the cycle’s handlebar grip.
The bus then swerved across the centre white lines into the path of an oncoming car – an Audi driven by Saskia Bets – causing a collision and impacting with the driver-side door.
Saskia suffered serious injuries and tragically died in hospital the same evening.
Police carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
They found that the cyclist had been wearing a hi-vis jacket, a rucksack displaying reflective stripes and his bike had a rear red flashing light.
Specialist investigators determined that the cycle would have been visible to the bus driver for more than 30 seconds prior to the collision.
Eaves, of Preston, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on 5 December 2023.
In addition to his prison sentence today, he was disqualified from driving for six years and four months.
‘Damage and pain’
Saskia, who lived in Easingwold, was a behaviour and wellbeing mentor at Hob Moor Oaks Academy, in Acomb.
She supported children across the school and was described by colleagues as “a bright, beautiful and hugely caring person and a valued and respected member of our closely-knit team”.
Today, her family said in a statement: “We respect and accept the verdict of the judge made today, and are pleased that Jonathan Eaves will be imprisoned for this crime.
“No sentence time would have been long enough for the damage and pain Jonathan Eaves has caused our family.
“There is no punishment that would do justice to this death.
“We as Saskia’s partner, sister and parents would like to thank everyone who responded to the incident after Jonathan Eaves drove his bus into her.
“Unfortunately their efforts could not save her life that day, but it demonstrates the goodness of mankind.”
A few days after her death, her partner Sam Read paid this tribute: “She was kindness in its purist form, and radiated a beauty inside and out that will never be forgotten to those privileged enough to have met her, for even the briefest of moments.”
Today, DCI Jez Bartley, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Eaves’ dangerous driving resulted in a tragic death, and it is right that he now has to face the consequence of his actions.
“A thorough investigation has ensured that justice has been done, but no verdict can bring back Saskia, or undo the pain caused to her loved ones. I can only hope this case serves to reinforce the importance of driving safely and responsibly – something Eaves manifestly failed to do, with dreadful consequences.”
