THE driver of a coach which crashed while carrying school children and staff from Alvechurch, killing a teacher and seriously injuring others, has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Derek Thompson, 49, was driving the coach carrying children and teachers from Alvechurch Middle School as well as several ski-instructors on their return from a skiing trip to the Alps.

The coach left the road near Chalons-en-Champagne, 90 miles east of Paris on February 19 2012.

Popular teacher Peter Rippington was killed in the crash and many passengers including children and ski instructors were seriously injured in the incident.

Mr Thompson has been given a six month sentence suspended for five years.

During conclusion of a criminal trial, in Chalons-en-Champagne earlier this week, Mr Thompson was given a six month sentence suspended for five years.

Steve Ratheram, 53, suffered devastating injuries in the crash and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment for injuries including spinal fractures, a fractured sternum and broken ribs.

The former ski instructor said: “My initial reaction is that while I welcome the conviction, the sentence seems very light bearing in mind the seriousness of what happened.

"I also feel for Pete Rippington’s s wife and daughter. Pete lost his life in the crash. This was supposed to be his last skiing trip and he was due to retire shortly.

"They were going to have the rest of their lives together, but this has been taken away from them. It’s not really justice although we will have to wait for the full judgment from the court. We all want to know what happened to cause the crash."

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, representing 25 passengers injured in the incident, said this is an important step forward for those affected.

Clive Garner, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “After considering all the evidence in this case, the court has concluded that Mr Thompson is guilty of manslaughter following this fatal coach crash.

“Many of our clients have been left with serious and life-changing injuries as a result of the coach crash. Some of them will never fully recover. It is a relief to many of them to know that the criminal proceedings have been concluded and they are one important step closer to knowing exactly what caused the crash.

“While the court gave judgment upon Mr Thompson today, their full findings and the reasons behind the conviction have not been revealed.

"A full written judgment setting out the court’s detailed reasoning will follow. This will explain why the court convicted Derek Thompson of manslaughter and should provide the answers that our clients both want and deserve."