A NEWPORT man who jumped from a moving coach on the M5, died as the result of an accident, an inquest heard.
Black Country coroner Robin Balmain said Manchester United fan Daniel McFarlane, 22, of Stafford Road, St Julians, had been drinking when he got into an argument with other passengers on the way home from Old Trafford.
He died instantly of multiple injuries after falling from the emergency door of the bus as it travelled south at more than 60mph near Junction 1 at West Bromwich in January last year, after United had beaten Everton.
Shutter installer Mr McFarlane, who also had cocaine in his system, had refused a request by trip organiser Darren Wallis to clear up smashed glass from the floor of the coach.
He then became involved in a heated argument with two other men and was told by Mr Wallis he would have to leave the coach at the next service station if he did not calm down, the court heard.
Fellow passenger Rees Stephenson said the male adults on the coach were drinking.
He recalled Mr McFarlane shouting to Mr Wallis, “If you want me off the bus I’ll get off” before kicking the emergency door open.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Balmain, said: “I am satisfied that this wasn’t something he would have done if he had been thinking rationally.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article