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Driver who crashed seaside trip coach on M5 banned Driver who crashed seaside trip coach on M5 banned
(35 minutes later)
A coach driver who crashed while taking a group of children on a trip to the seaside has been banned from driving.A coach driver who crashed while taking a group of children on a trip to the seaside has been banned from driving.
Robert Blakemore's coach, carrying 53 people, came off the M5 in Gloucestershire in August. Five adults and one child were injured.Robert Blakemore's coach, carrying 53 people, came off the M5 in Gloucestershire in August. Five adults and one child were injured.
Witnesses said Mr Blakemore, 60, and from Wolverhampton, was driving with his eyes closed and his chin resting on his chest at the time of the crash.Witnesses said Mr Blakemore, 60, and from Wolverhampton, was driving with his eyes closed and his chin resting on his chest at the time of the crash.
He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.
In witness statements, three passengers said Mr Blakemore woke when the coach was drifting towards the hard shoulder and a girl screamed, Stroud Magistrates' Court heard.In witness statements, three passengers said Mr Blakemore woke when the coach was drifting towards the hard shoulder and a girl screamed, Stroud Magistrates' Court heard.
This shocked Mr Blakemore who failed to regain control of the coach.This shocked Mr Blakemore who failed to regain control of the coach.
No mechanical defect was found with the coach and breath tests indicated he had not been drinking.No mechanical defect was found with the coach and breath tests indicated he had not been drinking.
Mr Blakemore, who is diabetic, said he "did not black out".Mr Blakemore, who is diabetic, said he "did not black out".
He told the court that he was currently on sick pay and unable to work because of a broken leg suffered in the crash.He told the court that he was currently on sick pay and unable to work because of a broken leg suffered in the crash.
He added that losing his licence would mean he would lose his job.He added that losing his licence would mean he would lose his job.
The coach was operated by Stourbridge-based Prospect Coaches. It had been taking a group of youngsters from a children's centre in Sandwell on a trip to the beach in Weston-super-Mare.The coach was operated by Stourbridge-based Prospect Coaches. It had been taking a group of youngsters from a children's centre in Sandwell on a trip to the beach in Weston-super-Mare.
As well as the ban, Mr Blakemore was fined £165 and ordered to take an extended test. As well as the 15 month ban, Mr Blakemore was fined £165 and ordered to take an extended test.