Man denies manslaughter following death of son, 3, in tractor incident

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A man has denied gross negligence manslaughter following the death of his three-year-old son in a tractor incident. Neil Speakman, 38, pleaded not guilty after his son, Albie Speakman, was fatally injured in the summer of 2022.

Albie suffered severe injuries on a farm off Bentley Hall Road in the Tottington area of Bury at about 12.45pm on July 16. Appearing at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday (May 21), Mr Speakman, of Bentley Hall Road, Bury, also denied that on July 16 as a self-employed person he failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health and safety of Albie. READ MORE: More than 350 jobs at risk as Greater Manchester distribution centre to close Mr Speakman will face trial on January 14 2025.

He was bailed to attend a further case management hearing on December 2. 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 okay, especially the people that he loved.” In the days following his death, friends and family held a vigil in Radcliffe in memory of the 'sunshine boy'.

Mourners laid candles and released balloons to mark Albie’s passing. Hundred of people lined the streets for his funeral. Mourners watched on in sombre silence as a horse-drawn hearse carried Albie to the service.