Father charged with manslaughter after three-year-old’s tractor death

Albie Speakman dies in tractor accident

A man has been charged over the death of his three-year-old son in a tractor incident.

Neil Speakman, 38, of Bury, Greater Manchester, is accused of gross negligence manslaughter after his son, Albie, was run over by a small tractor in the summer of 2022.

Albie suffered fatal injuries on a farm off Bentley Hall Road in the Tottington area of Bury at about 12.45pm on July 16.

Speakman, of Bentley Hall Road, Bury, has been bailed until his next court appearance at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on April 16.

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.

“He loved to play – whether it be with his family or friends at nursery.

“He would always look for little round things wherever he went – stones, polystyrene balls, bouncy balls, beads. I’m not sure why but he just loved anything round, he would just hold on to them.”

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