Selby death driver 'too tired'

The Land Rover driver at the centre of the Selby train disaster had undoubtedly not had enough sleep to drive safely, an expert told his trial today.

Professor James Horne, director of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, told Leeds Crown Court that Gary Hart's 45-minute nap the afternoon before the accident in February - his only sleep for 24 hours - was "insufficient, no doubt about it".

Hart, 37, of Strubby, Lincs, denies 10 counts of causing death by dangerous driving. He is accused of falling asleep at the wheel and veering off the M62 in North Yorkshire into the path of a 117mph GNER express which then hit an oncoming freight train, killing 10 people.

Mr Horne, who specialises in sleep-related road accidents, added: "There is a sweeping right hand bend. A driver would have to maintain a subtle turning manoeuvre for some time, but where the vehicle left the road this was not maintained." The court heard there were no signs of braking or swerving.

The trial continues.