Neil Speakman told his trial it was a 'tragic accident', adding: 'One bit of human error... has ruined my life'
A dad accused of gross negligence manslaughter over the death of his toddler son after fatally running him over in a defective farm vehicle broke down in tears as he told a jury "one bit of human error... has ruined my life."
He wept in court as he told jurors at Minshull Street Crown Court: "I shouldn't have to do this, it's f*****g not fair. I shouldn't have left him in the garden, we all know that. Asked to describe what happened next, he said: "You felt a bump instantly. I had travelled 10cm, 20cm... I stopped instantly. It was a split second. I looked right and saw his legs, and jumped off."
"Yes," said Mr Speakman. Mr Elvidge asked: "Tell us what you did to stop Albie coming close to a moving vehicle before he was struck by the telehandler." Speakman replied: "I checked every possible blind spot. I checked he was not there. I couldn't have checked more. I profusely checked.
Mr Speakman said 'seconds before' the collision he had seen his son sitting in the garden playing with the family dogs. He said: "I have looked behind to the best of my ability. Not for a second would I risk his life. He is the best thing that's ever happened." Breaking news, opinion and top stories are being sent directly to our community and we want you to be part of it. Get the latest news as it breaks from across Lancashire. Users who want to join must have WhatsApp downloaded to their phone.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man killed son when he reversed defective farm vehicle over himNeil Speakman denies gross negligence manslaughter following son Albie's death
Read more »
Dad 'ran over and killed son son with defective farm vehicle', trial hearsNeil Speakman denies gross negligence manslaughter following son Albie's death
Read more »
Neil Delamere returns to SSE Arena with new show Achilles NeilIrish comedian Neil Delamere is set to bring his new show to the SSE Arena in February. Delamere, known for his absurdist humor and appearances on television shows like QI and The Chase Celebrity, promises a night of laughter filled with unique experiences and reflections on the quirks of life. He'll be sharing stories from his recent adventures, including a memorable day as a zookeeper and a hilarious high-low road experience with fellow Blame Game star Colin Murphy.
Read more »
Farmer Breaks Down in Tears as He Denies Manslaughter of Three-Year-Old Son in Farm AccidentNeil Speakman, 39, is on trial for the death of his son, Albie, who was fatally injured when the telehandler Speakman was operating reversed over him. Speakman admits to negligence but denies gross negligence manslaughter, claiming he checked for Albie before reversing.
Read more »
Dad Tells Court 'Tragic Accident' Killed Three-Year-Old Son in Defective Farm VehicleA father has told his trial that fatally running over his three-year-old son in a defective farm vehicle was a 'tragic accident', adding that 'one bit of human error... has ruined my life'. Albie Speakman suffered catastrophic head injuries after his dad Neil Speakman, 39, reversed a telehandler into him in Bury, Greater Manchester, on July 16, 2022. The prosecution alleges the telehandler, used to pick up wood chippings, was 'defective' and that Albie died 'as a result of his father's negligence which created a serious and obvious risk of death'. Mr Speakman denies gross negligence manslaughter.
Read more »
This Morning's Eva Speakman Defends Husband Nik's Changing Appearance Against Online TrollsEva Speakman, co-host of ITV's This Morning, defends her husband Nik's appearance against online trolls who criticized his new look. She attributes the change to steroid use and urges people to be more understanding. The couple, known as The Speakmans, are life-change experts who help individuals with mental health issues, trauma, and phobias. Eva also discusses their experience dealing with online negativity and how they cope with trolls.
Read more »