Thugs battered coach driver and hit teen with pick axe handle in Birmingham after Blackpool trip

Three men have been convicted after they battered a coach driver and his teenage colleague with a pick-axe handle. Nathan Gayle, Thomas Freeman, and Chad Thompson went on a trip to Blackpool in September 2019, when violence erupted on the return leg of the journey.

The driver reported multiple issues to his colleagues including threats being made and glass bottles being smashed. He was so concerned he asked if a colleague could meet him at the end of the journey to ensure his safety.

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

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

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.