JIM Shaw, the driver of the coach which crashed in the Alps killing three Farnworth schoolchildren, will face trial in France later this year. The public prosecutor for Albertville, Rene Ternoy, has confirmed that the 43-year-old driver from Droylsden will face the French charge of involuntary homicide in a trial set to start on December 15. If he is found guilty he could face a maximum of three years in jail.

An investigation into the accident was launched by the French authorities after the July 7 tragedy in which the youngsters from St James's School, Lucas Road, Farnworth, died and others were injured.

Nichola Moore, aged 16, Keith Ridding, 14, and Robert Boardman, also 14, were killed when the coach plunged 60 feet down a ravine in the French Alps during a school trip.

Letters announcing that a trial will take place have been received by the parents of the children who were killed, as well as the staff and youngsters who were on the trip.

At this stage there is no indication that any of them will have to attend the trial in France.

Mr Ternoy, who will preside over French and English lawyers, told the BEN that the decision had been taken that there was enough evidence to try Mr Shaw. Mr Shaw was driving a French coach, which had no seat belts, after the English owned coach he had taken to France broke down.

Seven adults and 13 children were hurt in the crash.

Just weeks after the crash Mr Shaw sparked a nationwide search when he went missing from the home he shares with his wife Jean.

He was found the next day at a friend's flat a few miles from his home.

At the time the search for Mr Shaw was launched, police across the country were issued with a description of the father-of-two.

Officers confirmed that he had made a series of emotional calls home saying he could not cope. His disappearance came days after children from St James's School wrote to tell him that he should not blame himself for the accident.

In the letter, the classmates of the children who were killed invited Mr Shaw to the school to share their grief. After he was found safe and well at the friend's flat in Miles Platting, Mr Shaw was offered counselling.

More than £4,000 has been donated to the Nicola, Robert and Keith Memorial Fund, which was opened at the school in July.

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