One Year Sentence Not Enough for Death of Albie Speakman

Leah Bridge spoke about a tragedy: the death of her young son, Albie Speakman. He was just three years old and playing at his dad’s farm when he was hit by a defective telehandler.

Albie’s dad, Neil Speakman, was picking up woodchip while Albie was nearby, having fun. The little boy suffered terrible injuries and passed away. Subsequently, Neil was jailed for one year for breaking the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Neil failed to keep Albie safe at the farm in Bury. Previously, a jury cleared him of manslaughter. After the trial, Leah visited Albie’s grave and said it felt like yesterday, as if time had stood still for her.

Wondering what Albie saw and if he was scared, Leah said seeing the grave didn’t feel real. She thinks about it every single day.

In court, Leah spoke about her pain, saying her life changed forever that day and her world shattered into pieces. She stated that no one can truly understand her feelings, which are beyond description.

Leah confessed that while she tells people she is okay, she is completely broken inside and her world has been destroyed. She feels guilty for still being alive and prayed she could swap places with Albie.

Albie was her entire life and saved her when he was born. Leah is devastated she couldn’t save him, emphasizing that everything she ever did was all for Albie.

Since Albie’s death, Leah has had another son. She previously worked at Albie’s nursery, but couldn’t return after his death due to the overwhelming heartbreak. The happy memories were now also painful.

It was difficult seeing the other kids, especially Albie’s friends, who would ask where he was. The nursery created tributes to Albie, including “Albie’s Buddy Bench” and a star plaque.

These reminders cause Leah to crumble inside. She fears forgetting Albie’s voice and has already forgotten his smell. She misses his little hands on her face.

Leah kept Albie’s unwashed clothes and often smells one item, but now there’s no smell at all. Knowing more things will fade, she wonders what she’ll do then and fears she’ll never experience true happiness again.

Leah is saddened that Albie’s brother won’t meet him, as Albie would have been the best brother. She promises to keep his memory alive, thinking of him constantly and always asking, why him? Did he suffer?

Visiting Albie’s grave daily is now part of her routine. She tidies it, brings flowers, cleans his headstone, and apologizes a million times, explaining that this is how she parents him now.

Neil Speakman cried in court. Leah stated that Albie’s death caused her pain, which sinks in more each day. She knows Albie is never coming back, that she won’t watch him play again or tuck him in.

Albie, only three years old, had a beautiful life ahead of him and so many things to see. Leah lamented that it is heart-wrenching that Albie experienced death so young and had to be so brave.

No longer fearing death, Leah says this has changed her perspective on everything. Albie was her reason to live, the voice who said, “Mummy, I love you,” and filled her life with purpose.

Albie was a son, grandson, and friend, and now he is gone, which changed everything. Every new day brings her closer to seeing him again. She loves him endlessly, always her sunshine boy.

After the hearing, Leah was still disappointed that the jury cleared Neil of manslaughter. Although she was glad to see him jailed, it wasn’t for long enough. She now wants to forget all about him.

Feeling that justice wasn’t really served, Leah believes the sentence is insufficient for the lifetime it will affect her. One year for a life is not enough for Albie.

The judge told Neil this was a tragedy that hurt the child, Ms. Bridge, and the family. Praising her courage in reading her statement, the judge told Neil that he must take responsibility and that this wasn’t bad luck.

Neil failed to look after and keep Albie safe, despite being his caretaker. The judge stated he had no need to be working and that there was nothing difficult about keeping Albie safe.

There was no excuse to not follow safety guidelines, and there was flagrant disregard of those rules. The risk happened because of many factors, as Albie was with Neil while he worked, near the telehandler, and unprotected.

The driver couldn’t see well, and there was no warning, which was not just a mistake, but created a high risk. Neil had previous safety violations.

The judge acknowledged that Neil losing Albie would have a profound impact on him, which impacted the sentance. Despite Neil making the farm safer after the accident, immediate jail time was the only right punishment because safety was not ensured that day.

As officers led Neil away, he cursed.