THE dad of a three-year-old boy killed after being run over by a tractor has been charged with manslaughter.
Albie Speakman died shortly after being hit by the vehicle on the family farm in Bury, Manchester, on July 16, 2022.
His dad Neil, 38, has now been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, Greater Manchester Police confirmed today.
Mr Speakman, of Bentley Hall Road, Bury, will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on April 16.
The opening of an inquest into Albie’s death in August 2022 revealed he had died of a head injury.
Police detailed at the time how his family had flagged down an ambulance while driving him to hospital, but the youngster died at the roadside.
His mum Leah previously paid tribute to her son, describing him as a “little sunshine boy” who “loved to play”.
In an emotional statement released by police after his death, she said: “Albie was an incredibly loving, affectionate and caring boy who just wanted everyone to be happy.
“He was so sensitive and wanted everyone to be ok, especially the people that he loved.
“He loved to play – whether it be with his family or friends at nursery – he would always look for little round things wherever he went, stones, polystyrene balls, bouncy balls and beads.
“I’m not sure why but he just loved anything round, he would just hold onto them.”
She added: “I will miss absolutely everything about Albie, his voice, his smile, the smell of his skin and the feel of his little hands on my face when he would say ‘I love you mummy girl’.
“I’ll especially miss going on adventures with Albie, anywhere and everywhere we could have fun; nothing will ever fill the whole that he has left in our hearts, we are broken beyond repair.”
