WILTSHIRE Coroner David Masters has urged a Swindon charity to tighten safety measures after a man with learning difficulties died in a minibus crash.

An inquest heard that 47-year-old Christopher Woolford died on January 24 when the Respite Opportunities minibus he was travelling in left the B4019 Blunsdon to Highworth Road and landed side-on in a ditch.

Although emergency services were able to release nine trapped passengers, Mr Woolford was pronounced dead at the scene after asphyxiating due to crush injuries.

Experienced volunteer driver Michael Stanley told the coroner he had swerved after seeing an animal in the road, and lost control when a passenger in the Vauxhall knocked him.

But the inquest heard that the minibus had two tyres well under inflated and a comprehensive maintenance regime had not been in place.

It also heard that it was unclear whether the ten passengers, all of whom had learning difficulties and were on their way to the weekly White Cross social club in Highworth, were wearing seatbelts.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, the coroner said: "I do expect that if a subsequent vehicle was acquired by the charity then there should be a much greater regimen implemented concerning basic checks for a vehicle destined to carry ten, if not more adults with learning difficulties.

"Respite Opportunities does not have a vehicle now but if it does, strict checks should be formulated and seen to be carried out in future."

A vehicle examination of the scene revealed both the front nearside and rear offside tyres were well below the prescribed psi pressure level, the inquest heard.

Mr Stanley, who kept the minibus at home, said he did his best to check the vehicle for roadworthiness but had been called out unexpectedly for the run that night and had not actually checked the tyre pressures.

He also said there was no escort on the vehicle to ensure passengers kept their seatbelts buckled.

Barbara Mitchell, Respite Organiser, said the bus was checked at the beginning of each month and she relied on drivers to give her feedback on faults.

After the inquest, Christopher's brother James, 54, of Hook Farm, Wootton Bassett, said: "The subject has been explored and as long as lessons are learnt that vehicles have to be maintained properly then perhaps this won't occur again."

Christopher's sister Mary Garratt, 52, of Derby, said: "Christopher was loving, fun and a real character who I miss greatly. Every time I go on holiday I still think I must get a card for Christopher."

Mrs Mitchell added: "For the last 11 months our thoughts and sympathy have been with Christopher's family. We all miss Christopher and will treasure our memories."