Home   Canterbury   News   Article

National Express coach driver Pauline Camplin pleads guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after fatal crash on A2

A coach driver pleaded guilty this afternoon to causing the deaths of two people by driving dangerously on the outskirts of Canterbury in July last year.

Pauline Camplin, 50, twice whispered ‘guilty to the two charges at Canterbury Crown Court

That followed Judge Adele Williams watching an eight-second video of the tragic accident from the National Express coach’s CCTV.

The pair were killed in a crash on the A2 at Harbledown
The pair were killed in a crash on the A2 at Harbledown

It showed the vehicle – with passengers on board – veering over a white line and narrowly missing two oncoming cars on the A2050 near Harbledown.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor said the coach then struck an oncoming red BMW causing it to spin out of control and into another vehicle, causing fatal injuries to the driver and passenger.

Canterbury estate agent Rachel Francis, 38, was left fighting for life after the accident but died from her injuries a week later.

Her 40-year-old partner, Bryan Webster was killed instantly in the collision with the coach at Harbledown.

Defence barrister John Fitzgerald asked the judge’s views on the crash after telling her that Camplin, of St Mary’s Close, Nonington, would plead guilty to the lesser charge of causing the deaths by careless driving.

He said that it was “a momentary lapse of judgment” by the driver – and didn't amount to driving dangerously.

Estate agent Rachel Francis
Estate agent Rachel Francis

But the Judge replied that Camplin was a professional driver and asked if their was an explanation why the coach had crossed the line. Mr Fitzgerald said there wasn't.

And after viewing the onboard videos, including one showing the driver steering to the right, Judge Williams ruled it was up to the Crown Prosecution Service whether it should accept the plea to the lesser charge.

After a 15 minute adjournment, Camplin returned to the dock and admitted the more serious charges.

She was remanded on bail until September when she will be sentenced after the judge has read victim impact statements from the bereaved families.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More