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No charges for Glasgow bin lorry tragedy driver

The driver of a bin lorry that crashed in Glasgow - killing six people - will not face any charge...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.48 25 Feb 2015


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No charges for Glasgow bin lor...

No charges for Glasgow bin lorry tragedy driver

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.48 25 Feb 2015


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The driver of a bin lorry that crashed in Glasgow - killing six people - will not face any charges.

A decision has also been made not to charge Glasgow City Council, which owned the vehicle involved in the tragedy, although a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held.

Scotland’s prosecuting body, the Crown Office, has been studying a police report into the tragedy which occurred on 22 December.

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The incident saw the vehicle career out of control down one of Glasgow’s busiest streets and collided with pedestrians.

Six people lost their lives and a number of others were injured. Those who died included three members of the same family, 18 year-old Erin McQuade and her grandparents Jack and Lorraine Sweeney.

In Scotland, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is held when there is deemed to be sufficient public interest in establishing the facts surrounding a death.

It is held before a Sheriff who, ultimately, issues a determination. Witnesses are compelled to attend.

It is possible for charges to be laid on the basis of evidence given during an FAI.

Inquiries will look at all the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, which happened when the bin lorry driver, 58-year-old Harry Clarke, collapsed at the steering wheel.

The vehicle headed erratically along Glasgow's Queen Street at a speed of just over 20mph.

Two crew members in the rear of the driver’s cab made desperate attempts to rouse him but were hampered by a safety rail separating the front and back of the cab.

Following the crash, Mr Clarke tested negative for drink-driving.


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