'No prosecution' over fatal crash

A REPORT on the death of Natasha Paton, who died in a school bus crash at Easter, has been submitted to the procurator-fiscal following a six-month investigation by Strathclyde Police.

Natasha, 17, from Cleghorn, was one of 39 sixth year pupils from Lanark Grammar School who had been on their way to a trip to Alton Towers theme park on 31 March this year.

Just 12 miles after setting out on the journey in blizzard conditions, the coach - being driven by Raymond Munro, 60 - came off the A73 south-west of Biggar at about 6am.

The vehicle crashed through a bridge parapet and came to rest ten feet below the road in a field and partly under water.

It is believed that the teenager was thrown from the vehicle and was only discovered when she failed to register in a head count conducted by teachers after the accident.

Some parents had criticised the decision to set out on the trip, because of the poor conditions that morning.

It is understood that police have not recommended prosecution of any individual in connection with the tragedy.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said a report has been submitted to the procurator-fiscal.

The Crown Office said it was now looking at the police findings: "The procurator-fiscal at Hamilton has received a report in connection with the death of a 17-year-old female at Biggar on March 31, 2010. The report remains under investigation."

It is still possible that the Crown may order a Fatal Accident Inquiry, which will examine all aspects of the tragedy.