THE driver of a coach which crashed on The Struggle, near Ambleside, on June 8 last year, has been committed to Carlisle Crown Court.

Frederick Messenger, 53, of Larchwood Drive, Ashington, Northumberland, was behind the wheel when the single-decker vehicle left the road.

Many of the 43 day-trippers on board were injured. Messenger had denied dangerous driving, and two further charges of driving with defective brakes and driving without due care and attention at an earlier court appearance.

His plea and directions hearing will take place on June 9.

May 2, 2003 09:00