Company had "complete disregard of safety" - police following tipper truck trial

Two men have been convicted of four counts of gross negligence manslaughter, following the fatal tipper truck crash in Bath in February 2015.

Four people – including a four-year-old girl – died on 9 February after a 32 tonne tipper trick went out of control on a descent into Weston Village on Lansdown Lane.

After the hearing senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Rich Ocone said:

“Our investigation revealed a shocking picture of a company culture with complete disregard of safety and maintenance. This was a company with a very casual attitude towards safety.

“If there is a message which needs to come from this tragic incident, it is that company owners must adhere to a duty of care to the public. The public have an expectation to trust that businesses ensure that they are operating safely. Regular maintenance and servicing of all vehicles – but especially heavy goods vehicles is vital.

“Finally, I would like to thank the local community for all their support and the strength of character demonstrated since that terrible evening of 9 February 2014. Weston is a close-knit community, which rallied around to support those involved.

“I hope that the conviction of these men now allows all these people and the families who lost loved ones or relatives who were injured following this horrific incident in February of last year that today’s decision will help to provide some form of closure to a very difficult time in their lives."