Driver cleared over colleague death
03/03/2010
A Royal Mail driver from Berkshire who fatally injured a colleague by reversing into him has been cleared of breaching health and safety laws.
Ian Wheeler tried to link his tractor to a trailer near Slough. He told Reading Crown Court he did not realise Colin Smith, 57, was standing between his vehicle and the trailer. The accident happened at the Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre in Axis Park, Langley.
The family of 42-year-old Wheeler, who is from Bracknell, gasped with relief at the not guilty verdict, which came from the jury after just over two hours. He had denied failing to discharge his duty properly under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Judge Stephen John praised Mr Smith's family, who attended court to show their support for Mr Wheeler, saying: "It seemed to me throughout the trial the family of Mr Smith behaved with conspicuous dignity." Speaking outside court, Mr Smith's ex-wife, Joan Page, said: "I am very happy with the result."
Royal Mail is expected to be fined after admitting breaching the Health and Safety At Work Act. Sentencing will be on March 10.
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