A tragic incident unfolded at a farm in Bury, Greater Manchester, where a three-year-old boy, Albie Speakman, lost his life in a fatal accident involving his father, Neil Speakman. The harrowing details emerged in court as the jury heard how Neil Speakman’s gross negligence led to the death of his son. Neil Speakman, 39, was reportedly operating a telehandler machine on his farm when, on July 16, 2022, the vehicle accidentally reversed over Albie, causing catastrophic head injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Albie was pronounced dead a few hours later, leaving a devastating impact on the family.
The tragic incident occurred in a yard adjacent to a small garden area at the front of the farmhouse where Neil Speakman had left Albie playing unsupervised just moments before the accident. The court was informed that Neil Speakman, who used the farm for his log and woodchip business, had borrowed the heavy lifting vehicle from a neighbour to facilitate his work. The prosecution, represented by John Elvidge KC, asserted that Neil Speakman lacked proper training in using such machinery and had shown a blatant disregard for health and safety protocols, especially when it came to ensuring Albie’s well-being.
The court proceedings revealed alarming details about the condition of the telehandler, highlighting its defects such as missing wing mirrors and poor visibility, which significantly compromised the safety of those in its vicinity. A health and safety inspector’s report further emphasized the foreseeable risks posed by the faulty machinery, indicating that the operator’s view was obstructed, especially in detecting individuals of shorter stature like young children. The prosecution argued that Neil Speakman’s negligence was so severe and blatant that it amounted to gross negligence, resulting in the tragic loss of Albie’s life.
It came to light during the trial that Albie stayed with his father, Neil Speakman, on alternate weekends, following his separation from the child’s mother. The prosecution stressed that while there was no suggestion of intent to harm Albie, the focus of the case lied in determining whether Neil Speakman’s negligence reached the level of gross negligence. Neil Speakman had already pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act for failing to ensure the safety of Albie to the best of his abilities, a mistake that had led to devastating consequences.
Additionally, the court heard about a previous incident involving Neil Speakman disregarding safety warnings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the operation of another farm machinery. A video depicting a risky scenario with Neil Speakman’s partner inside a lifting bucket while in motion raised concerns and highlighted his cavalier attitude towards safety guidelines. The prosecution contended that Neil Speakman consistently ignored safety protocols and warnings, demonstrating a pattern of negligence that culminated in the tragic accident involving Albie.
In light of the evidence presented, the defence vehemently denied the charge of gross negligence manslaughter against Neil Speakman. The trial continues as the court seeks to ascertain the extent of Neil Speakman’s culpability in the untimely demise of his young son. The heart-wrenching case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially in environments where heavy machinery and vulnerable individuals, such as children, coexist.