Dad Found Not Guilty After Accidentally Hitting Son with Farm Vehicle
A father was cleared of manslaughter after a tragic accident involving his son
Tottington, Lancashire, UK, Manslaughter, Farm Accident, Health and Safety
Tottington: A dad was found not guilty of manslaughter after a tragic accident. Neil Speakman accidentally hit his three-year-old son, Albie, with a defective farm vehicle.
The incident happened on July 16, 2022, in the yard of their farmhouse. Albie was playing nearby when Neil reversed a telehandler into him. Albie suffered severe injuries.
During the trial, it was revealed that Neil had used the telehandler before but lacked official training. The vehicle had defects, including a missing wing mirror.
The prosecution argued that Neil’s negligence led to Albie’s death. Health and safety officials later inspected the telehandler and found it unsafe to operate.
Jurors ultimately found Neil not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. He had previously admitted to breaching health and safety regulations.
Neil claimed Albie understood the dangers of the farm. He said, “He knew his boundaries.” Albie often visited the farm on weekends.
After the accident, Neil rushed to get help. He was in a panic and called for an ambulance. Sadly, Albie could not be resuscitated and died at the hospital.
Neil described the incident as a tragic accident. He expressed regret for leaving Albie in the garden and acknowledged he made a mistake.
The court also heard about a previous warning Neil received from health and safety officials regarding another piece of machinery.
Neil will be sentenced later for breaching health and safety laws. A pre-sentencing hearing is set for February 28.