Whitlam’s Law Update December 2019
By Amy Clowrey
Switalskis represent the family of eleven year old Harry Whitlam who was killed by a reversing tractor on 9th August 2013.
Gary Green was found to be over twice the legal drink-drive limit at the time of the accident at Swithens Farm, Leeds. The police were unable to bring a criminal prosecution under the drink-drive laws because the accident took place on private, not public land. A private prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive and Green served just 16 months and two weeks in prison.
Harry’s mother, Pamela, and other family members highlighted the need for change in drink-driving laws to cover private land.
Alec Shelbrooke, MP for Elmet and Rothwell, has raised the matter again in Parliament on 19th December 2019. He stated that, “…people recognise that if they intoxicate themselves, these are not accidents but manslaughter and should carry a similar sentence?”
You can find the full statements here .
Amy has worked in the legal sector for 13 years. She is a Director in our Child Abuse Compensation team.
