AN inquest into the death of popular teacher Peter Rippington has been suspended, pending the conclusion of a criminal trial.

The Alvechurch Middle School teacher, described as a "true legend", died in a coach crash carrying children and teachers from the school on their return from a skiing trip to the Alps.

The coach left the road near Chalons-en-Champagne, 90 miles east of Paris on February 19 2012.

Mr Rippington was killed at the scene of the crash and many passengers including children and ski instructors were seriously injured in the incident.

Driver of the coach Derek Thompson, 49, was recently found guilty of manslaughter.

During conclusion of a criminal trial, in Chalons-en-Champagne last month, Mr Thompson was given a six month sentence suspended for five years.

The court's full findings and the reasons behind the conviction have not been revealed.

A full written judgment setting out the court’s detailed reasoning is expected to follow.