A coach driver who killed a Newington Green man by ploughing into his parked car on the M1 has been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

Allan Evans, 59, died on Valentine’s Day last year. The double decker Volvo coach, containing 62 passengers, crashed into the back of his Audi on the hard shoulder of the M1 in Bedford.

Alan Peters, from Gravesend, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court today. He was driving at 61mph and had been driving in the hard shoulder for three minutes, despite signs warning the lane was for emergency use only.

Mr Evans’s hazard warning lights were on, and his two rear passengers – Buckinghamshire men Nathan Reeves, 23, and Thomas Aldridge, 20 – also died at the scene. Jake Dorling, 23, from Milton Keynes, escaped death in the front passenger seat but suffered a fractured skull, fractured hips, four fractured ribs and a punctured lung.

Mr Evans was described as a “much-loved” man who cared for his elderly mother. Peters will be sentenced on a date to be confirmed.

Charles White, senior crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This is a tragic waste of life and could have been avoided.

“Alan Peters pleaded guilty to causing the deaths by careless driving, but his pleas were not accepted and the case proceeded to trial. The prosecution used evidence including CCTV to show that Alan Peters’ driving fell well below the standard of a careful, competent driver. Peters has today been found guilty of three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, despite his denials.

“This case highlights the serious consequences of failing to be alert and prepared for unexpected or challenging driving conditions. My thoughts are very much with the families of the victims at this time and I hope that Jake continues with his recovery.”