This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/mid/8257005.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Death crash motorist fell asleep Death crash motorist fell asleep
(about 18 hours later)
A teacher had fallen asleep at the wheel of his car moments before it crashed fatally injuring him, an inquest has heard.A teacher had fallen asleep at the wheel of his car moments before it crashed fatally injuring him, an inquest has heard.
Witnesses saw father-of-two Andrew Radford, 33, from Welshpool, Powys, drift into the opposite lane in December last year.Witnesses saw father-of-two Andrew Radford, 33, from Welshpool, Powys, drift into the opposite lane in December last year.
The deputy head told a paramedic who attended the three-vehicle crash he had fallen asleep, the court heard.The deputy head told a paramedic who attended the three-vehicle crash he had fallen asleep, the court heard.
Powys Coroner Peter Maddox recorded a verdict of accidental death.Powys Coroner Peter Maddox recorded a verdict of accidental death.
The hearing in Welshpool was told Mr Radford was conscious after the crash on 4 December 2008 and was able to speak to paramedic Alan Williams.The hearing in Welshpool was told Mr Radford was conscious after the crash on 4 December 2008 and was able to speak to paramedic Alan Williams.
Mr Williams told the inquest that he found Mr Radford lying on the grass verge, and started to treat him. Mr Williams told the inquest that he found Mr Radford lying on the grass verge, and he started to treat him.
He said: "I asked him what had happened and he [Mr Radford] told me 'I fell asleep'."He said: "I asked him what had happened and he [Mr Radford] told me 'I fell asleep'."
Mr Williams said Mr Radford told him that he had planned to stop earlier in his journey but felt that he could carry on.Mr Williams said Mr Radford told him that he had planned to stop earlier in his journey but felt that he could carry on.
The paramedic said Mr Radford asked him not to tell anyone about their conversation.The paramedic said Mr Radford asked him not to tell anyone about their conversation.
Internal injuriesInternal injuries
Mr Radford, deputy head at St John the Baptist Primary School in Ruyton-XI-Towns in Shropshire, was taken to the Royal Shrewbury Hospital but his condition deteriorated en route, the inquest heard.Mr Radford, deputy head at St John the Baptist Primary School in Ruyton-XI-Towns in Shropshire, was taken to the Royal Shrewbury Hospital but his condition deteriorated en route, the inquest heard.
He died the following day as result of internal injuries, despite having emergency surgery.He died the following day as result of internal injuries, despite having emergency surgery.
The inquest also heard from van delivery driver Michael Upton via a statement read at out at the hearing.The inquest also heard from van delivery driver Michael Upton via a statement read at out at the hearing.
He said he was three or four vehicles behind Mr Radford's silver Skoda Octavia when he saw it drift across the central white line.He said he was three or four vehicles behind Mr Radford's silver Skoda Octavia when he saw it drift across the central white line.
He said he then saw vehicles swerving to avoid a collision but the Skoda was eventually in collision with a Volvo car.He said he then saw vehicles swerving to avoid a collision but the Skoda was eventually in collision with a Volvo car.
Coroner Mr Maddox said the "tragic death" of Mr Radford served as reminder to all drivers that it was safer to stop when they fell tired.Coroner Mr Maddox said the "tragic death" of Mr Radford served as reminder to all drivers that it was safer to stop when they fell tired.
He added that it was not a criticism of Mr Radford.He added that it was not a criticism of Mr Radford.
Mr Maddox added: "It seems consistent with a lapse of concentration or falling asleep.Mr Maddox added: "It seems consistent with a lapse of concentration or falling asleep.
"There's not suggestion that he (Mr Radford) was driving dangerously, speeding or trying to overtake.""There's not suggestion that he (Mr Radford) was driving dangerously, speeding or trying to overtake."