A jury hears that a father’s negligence led to his son’s tragic death in a farm accident
Bury: A heartbreaking case is unfolding in Greater Manchester. A father, Neil Speakman, is facing serious charges after his three-year-old son, Albie, was tragically killed by a farm vehicle.
The incident happened on July 16, 2022, when Neil was using a telehandler at his farm. Albie was playing nearby, and in a terrible turn of events, he was run over. It’s just so sad to think about.
Albie suffered severe head injuries and sadly passed away at the hospital later that day. The yard where this happened was open and unfenced, which made it easy for little Albie to wander into danger.
Neil had borrowed the telehandler from a neighbor for his woodchip business. The prosecution claims he had no training on how to operate it safely and didn’t seem to care about the risks involved.
They pointed out that the telehandler was defective, missing a wing mirror and having a dirty one that was practically useless. It’s hard to believe he didn’t see the danger in that.
The jury heard that Neil’s negligence was so severe that it amounted to gross negligence. A health and safety inspector later confirmed that the vehicle had several mechanical issues that made it unsafe to operate.
Neil reportedly told police that he thought Albie understood the risks of being around a farm. But the prosecution argues that a three-year-old can’t grasp those dangers like an adult can.
It’s important to note that Neil has pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety regulations. However, he denies the charge of gross negligence manslaughter. The trial is still ongoing, and it’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
