Thugs beat coach driver and hit teenager with ax handle in Birmingham after trip to Blackpool

Three men have been sentenced after beating a coach driver and his teenage colleague with a pickaxe handle. Nathan Gayle, Thomas Freeman and Chad Thompson went on a trip to Blackpool in September 2019 when violence broke out on the return trip.

The driver reported several problems to his colleagues, including threats and broken glass bottles. He was so worried that he asked if a colleague could meet him at the end of the trip to ensure his safety.

After arriving back at School Road, Acocks Green, Gayle, 33, Freeman, 36, and Thompson, 34, attacked the coach driver and his 19-year-old colleague he was hit with an ax handle. The teenager suffered a traumatic brain injury from which he is still recovering today.

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Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Gayle, of Birmingham, and Thompson, of no fixed address, were found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon on Tuesday (July 2). Freeman, from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and the three men will be sentenced on August 15.

Thompson was found guilty in his absence and is now wanted for failing to attend court.

Anyone who sees Thompson should call 999 immediately, quoting crime reference 20BE/230362B/19.