Father of toddler struck by tractor charged with manslaughter
29th February 2024
The father of a three-year-old boy who died after being struck by a small tractor on a Tottington farm has been charged with manslaughter.
Neil Speakman, 38, from Bury, Greater Manchester, is accused of gross negligence manslaughter following an accident that happened in the summer of 2022.
His son, Albie, was only three when he suffered fatal injuries after being run over by a small tractor on a farm off Bentley Hall Road in the Tottington area of Bury on 16th July 2022.
Speakman has been bailed until his next court appearance at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 16th April 2024.
Loved by everybody
In a statement issued at the time of his death, Albie’s mother, Leah, said: “Albie was an incredibly loving, affectionate and caring boy who just wanted everyone to be happy. He was so sensitive and wanted everyone to be OK, especially the people that he loved.
“I will miss absolutely everything about Albie – his voice, his smile, the smell of his skin and the feel of his little hands on my face when he would say, ‘I love you, mummy girl.'”
Prevent accidents on your farm
The Prevention of Accidents to Children in Agriculture Regulations 1998 (PACAR) make it illegal to allow a child under 13 to ride on or drive agricultural self-propelled machines (such as tractors) and certain other farm machinery. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require that employers make sure their risk assessment for young people under the age of 18 takes full account of their inexperience, immaturity and lack of awareness of relevant risks.
People often believe that farm children understand farm risks, but the vast majority of children who tragically die in farm incidents are family members. A few straightforward steps, and proper supervision of children, will reduce these risks.
To ensure the safety of children on your farm, follow the guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The thoughts of the Farmers Guide team are with the Speakman family during this difficult time and their continuing hardships.
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