Crash inquest hears students drank with staff of Preston high school A PRESTON high school accused of ignoring a shocking drinking culture among staff may have contributed to the tragic death of two people. Jackson Dunbar, 17, and his 29-year-old passenger, Rebec­ca Taylor, died when their car hit a pole after a drinking session at the Craigieburn Sporting Club in July 2010. Police initially believed the teenager had stolen the car, but a coronial inquest has heard the boy had been driving the car of his former school's maintenance man. CCTV footage from the club showed Jackson downing drinks with 41-year old Craigieburn man Darren King who, up until a month earlier, had been responsible for the teenager as part of a program at the Northern College of the Arts and Technology. The inquest, which began in July, heard Jackson often drank with Mr King on school grounds while he was a student. Former students claimed they also drank with staff during and after school, with Mr King's maintenance shed doubling as a "chill-out" zone. Jackson, who had learning difficulties, was to quit school in 2008 when he was paired with Mr King. The two worked together on maintenance jobs and soon became drinking partners in the maintenance shed. The court heard Jackson drove Mr King's car after the man had driven him and Ms Taylor to his home from the pub. The inquest heard a teacher's aide, who had been given the task of helping Jackson, was also photographed drinking alcohol with him at a party while he was a student. The aide was not dismissed, despite the incident being reported to school principal Raffaela Galati-Brown. He left the school only when his contract expired later that year. Mr King still works at the school. Police have not charged him with any offence. Deputy State Coroner Iain West will make a finding at a later date.