Red Shore Bassist on Trial For Death of Frontman, Roadie in 2007 Van Accident

Jamie Hope, 23, a member of Geelong, Australia metal band the Red Shore, is on trial in the District Court, accused of causing the deaths of two of his fellow band members.

Matt Deans of Australia's Coffs Coast Advocate reports that the bass player allegedly fell asleep at the wheel of the band's tour van prior to the fatal accident, which claimed the lives of lead singer Damien Morris and roadie Andy Milner on Dec. 19, 2007.

Morris died at the scene, while Milner later died in the hospital. Three others were seriously injured when the eight-passenger vehicle crashed into a tree on the Pacific Highway at Moonee, near Cunningham's Bridge.

As part of the Christmas Carnage Tour along with All Shall Perish, the band was headed to a show in Sydney after performing in Brisbane the previous night.

According to Deans' report on the trial, the court heard the testimony of a man in the passenger seat who noticed the accused's eyes were closed as they neared Coffs Harbour. It was said that Hope agreed to stop in Coffs Harbour, but drifted into a micro-sleep moments later.

A surviving band member is expected to be cross examined, while other listed witnesses include the driver of a vehicle traveling behind the van, and a police crash scene investigator.

The hearing continues today.