A coach driver from Exeter whose “momentary lapse of concentration” caused five-car pile-up on the A47 near Norwich has been fined £750.
David Gibson did not notice vehicles braking on the A47 at Trowse on August 2 last year, and his empty 53-seater Scania coach hit the back of a Ford Fiesta – triggering a series of other collisions. Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard the coach was travelling at 59mph when the brakes were applied and at 43mph when it hit the first car.
In mitigation, Alistair Taunton, said it was a “momentary lapse of concentration” by his client who had an “impeccable driving record.”
According to the Eastern Daily Press, he said Mr Gibson was not speeding, not trying to do anything he should not, but was a man who looked one way, then back and “hadn’t seen the cars braking as he should’ve done.”
While Chairman of the bench Richard Dykes described it as a “tragic accident,” he said magistrates had taken into account Mr Gibson’s guilty plea at the first opportunity, his good driving record and lack of speed.
Mr Gibson, who had previously pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £75 victim surcharge and was given nine points on his licence.
