A LORRY driver whose steam engine load fell off and crushed a bus load of passengers has been told to expect time behind bars.

Philip Last was driving a Daf Low Loader which was carrying the 15 tonne steam engine in East Mersea Road, West Mersea, when it fell off the trailer and onto a bus.

Last, who had denied six counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, had been due to stand trial yesterday at Ipswich Crown Court but changed his pleas at the last minute.

The 53-year-old, who admitted failing to secure the “significantly heavy” load using both straps and chains, was warned by Judge David Goodin he should expect an immediate custodial sentence.

Judge Goodin said: “Philip Last, your negligence in this case in that you did not secure your load had obviously very grave consequences.

“At the forefront of my mind is an immediate custodial sentence.

“A probation officer will prepare a report for the court but I may feel I have no alternative but to impose an immediate custodial sentence.”

The judge added: “His failure to secure the load is a significant one.”

The maximum sentence Last could be handed is 27 months in prison.

He will be sentenced later this month.

As a result of the incident, First bus driver Michael Birch was left with life-threatening injuries, which included a protruding bowel, two broken shoulders, a broken arm, a punctured lung and a fractured pelvis.

He miraculously survived his injuries but is still undergoing surgery 17 months later.

Gazette:

Caption: Philip Last

Five other victims sustained extremely serious injuries - with at least one being disabled for life - after the horrific incident on September 23, 2015.

Last, of Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth, stood quietly while the charges were read to him by the court clerk.

He spoke only to confirm his guilt.

The victims, including Mr Birch and his family, audibly gasped after Last’s admissions.

The group later wept and hugged outside the court room.

Judge Goodin heard Last had a clean driving licence and had never been before a court before.

He also lost his job as a result of the incident.

Richard Burrington, mitigating, added the 53-year-old had shown significant remorse and had helped the injured people at the scene.

He was also the first person to call the emergency services.

He added: “The consequences are certainly not lost on the defendant.”

Last was released on unconditional bail until he is sentenced.

Paramedics said a combination of Mr Birch’s small build and the fact he was driving an older bus, which had a bigger cab, helped save his life.

Speaking five months after his injuries, Mr Birch said: “I remember waking up and the bus was a mess.

“I looked down and saw my stomach and then I blacked out.”

Mr Birch was in hospital for a month and underwent seven operations including a skin graft from his thigh on to his right hand and using a piece of his hip bone to repair his index finger.