Father jailed after son’s death in telehandler accident

A farming father has been jailed for 12 months after fatally reversing over his three-year-old son in a defective farm vehicle.

Albie, the three-year-old, was struck by a telehandler driven by his father, Neil Speakman, on the family’s farm in Bury, Greater Manchester, on 16 July 2022.

A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Greater Manchester Police concluded that Mr Speakman failed to ensure Albie’s safety while using the telehandler, which was in poor condition.

See also: Tributes paid to boy, 3, killed in tractor collision in Bury

The investigation also found that he was not appropriately trained and had not properly considered the risks involved with using the vehicle.

Albie had been playing in an unfenced garden at the front of the house and wandered onto the farmyard, where he was struck by the reversing vehicle Mr Speakman was using to move woodchips into bags.

Albie Speakman © The Speakman Family

HSE inspector Mike Lisle said: “This tragedy could easily have been avoided if our guidance was followed.

“Our guidance clearly states children should be kept away from farming activities and work traffic, remaining in a safe space, such as a securely fenced play area.

“Farms are workplaces, but often have a farmhouse within the grounds. This makes the provision of safe areas for children even more important.”

The investigation showed that Mr Speakman had not followed this guidance, allowing Albie to move freely around the farmyard while vehicles were operating.

Additionally, the telehandler lacked a wing mirror on the passenger’s side and had a dirty mirror on the driver’s side, reducing Mr Speakman’s visibility.

Mr Speakman pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was sentenced on 28 February 2025 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs. However, he was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter following a trial earlier that month.

Mr Speakman must serve at least six months in prison.