A BUS driver claimed he accidentally hit the accelerator seconds before ploughing into a pedestrian, a judge heard.

Cheikh Senghor, of St John's Road, Wallingford, was driving a Reading Buses Purple 17 double decker bus in Gun Street, Reading June 24 when he lost control and crashed into Simon Smith.

A judge heard how Senghor was driving at an 'excessive speed' when the bus suddenly surged forward.

What happened next was a shocking incident where the 40-year-old hit the accelerator instead of the brake, leaving Mr Smith, a lorry driver, with serious injuries.

Oxford Mail:

The crash was caught on CCTV and went viral after Mr Smith was seen dusting himself down and walking into the nearby Purple Turtle bar.

Senghor admitted a single count of dangerous driving at Reading Magistrates' Court today (Thursday) and will appear at crown court for sentencing at a later date.

Ann Sawyer-Brandish, prosecuting, said: "It involves an incident where a pedestrian has been knocked over and injuries have been caused to him.

"The bus had been travelling at an excessive speed in a busy area and the vehicle was not able to be brought under control.

"They (the injuries) were significant.

"There were fractures and internal bruising."

The judge heard how Senghor crashed into Reading Minster Church's wall moments after he collided with Mr Smith.

Alexander Dos Santos, defending, said: "This was an incident where there was a mistake made by the defendant which led to a chain reaction of events.

"What happened is these buses sometimes surge forward rather than dealing with it appropriately by pushing the brakes, he pushed the wrong pedal and that meant he pushed the accelerator.

"It is not the suggestion that his accident was caused because of the surge."

Senghor admitted a single count of dangerous driving. He will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court at a later date.

District Judge Davinder Lachhar said:" It is luck rather than judgement that someone was not killed on this occasion.

"It is a busy part of the area. It is lucky that there was only one person there.

"I have the view that my powers of punishment is not sufficient."

Senghor was granted unconditional bail.