Coach Death Driver Jailed

A National Express coach driver was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison and banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Oxford Crown Court heard how Philip Rooney 49, of Larkshill Drive, Carluke, Scotland, was making a safety announcement while trying to negotiate a 40mph bend at 55mph when he lost control of the coach near Heathrow Airport.

Christina Toner, 76, from Monifieth, and Yi Di Lin, 30, a Chinese national, died at the scene while John Carruthers, 78, of Chertsey, Surrey, died in hospital on July 1st.

Four passengers had to have limbs amputated, while 61 others were injured.

Richard Latham QC, said Mr Rooney kept breaking speed limits, as evident in the tachograph readings, as he left Victoria coach station for Heathrow.

Mr Latham said passengers noted the bus was being driven significantly faster, as if the driver was seeking to make up for lost time.

(GK)