'Kind and caring' Rebecca (23) died in bus collision in Australia

A MOTHER has paid tribute to her "bright, kind and caring" daughter who died in Australia after being struck by a bus, whose driver later took his own life.

Rebecca Allan (23), from Halewood Way in Christchurch, was making her way back to her hostel in Brisbane with friends at around 3.45am when the collision occurred as she crossed a road on 20th August 2017.

Her mother Julie said: “She shouldn't have been taken. She was a child who cared for the world, she was so understanding and compassionate, so full of life. She would give everyone a compliment.

"If love could have saved her she would still be here."

Winchester Coroner's Court heard how Rebecca had been using a pedestrian crossing when the green ‘walk’ light was illuminated.

Despite attempts by police officers and the ambulance service who carried out CPR, she could not be revived.

Assistant coroner Samantha Marsh explained that an inquest had been held in Australia by deputy state coroner John Lock, and she was satisfied there had been an adequate investigation into Rebecca’s death.

The bus driver, who was not named at the inquest, told police in Australia that he had simply not seen Rebecca as he made a right at the traffic lights, which had also turned green. He was breathalysed at the scene, and results came back negative.

The inquest heard how the driver, who had 17 years’ experience, was charged with dangerous driving on 3rd October 2017.

The next day, he took his own life after struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

Vehicle inspection officer Andrew McLaren of Queensland Police gave a statement to the Australian inquest, which said the Brisbane City Council bus had no pre-collision defects that would have contributed to the accident.

French tourist Mr Bourgnounesque, who was staying at the same hostel as Rebecca, gave a statement to police which said they had gone with others to a local bar, before leaving at around 3am.

He said: “Rebecca and I started to cross. I saw the bus and yelled out ‘attention’ loudly at her.”

Australian pathologist Dr Andrew Kedzioia gave Rebecca’s cause of death as multiple injuries. A toxicology test revealed she had an alcohol level of just over double the legal UK drink-drive limit.

Mrs Marsh recorded a conclusion that Rebecca died due to a road traffic collision.

Speaking after the inquest, her family said: “Rebecca was the most perfect daughter, sister, auntie and friend whose personality could light up anywhere. She was full of love, kindness and positivity.

“A beautiful soul who is dearly loved and missed by all.”

Rebecca's family had previously requested that the inquest be adjourned to allow time to contact the Australian authorities and obtain the statement given to police by the bus driver.

Julie added: “It would have given me closure as a mother. It would have given me an idea what was going through his head. His last answers to the police were very important to me.”