…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Families of the victims gather at the Old Bailey for the trial of a tram driver involved in the Croydon crash, which tragically claimed the lives of seven passengers over six years ago.
Alfred Dorris, aged 49, appears in court charged with an alleged health and safety failing in relation to the fatal incident that occurred on November 9, 2016.
The crash, near the Sandilands stop in Croydon, South London, resulted in the death of seven individuals and left 51 others injured.
The victims were identified as Dane Chinnery, 19; Philip Seary, 57; Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35; Robert Huxley, 63; Philip Logan, 52; Donald Collett, 62; and Mark Smith, 35.
The Allegations Against Dorris
Dorris denies the single charge of failing to take reasonable care at work under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
According to the indictment, he is accused of neglecting to ensure the health and safety of both himself and the passengers on board tram 2551.
Specifically, the charge alleges that Dorris failed to navigate the Sandilands curve at an appropriate speed, leading to the tram derailing and overturning.
The Trial Proceedings
The trial is taking place in Court One of the Old Bailey, presided over by senior judge Mr Justice Fraser.
Members of the victims’ families attended the first day of the case, which is expected to be opened by prosecutor Jonathan Ashley-Norman KC on the following day.
A jury panel consisting of 12 men and 8 women has been selected and instructed to return to court on the next day.
The jury was provided with a list of individuals involved in the case, including passengers, tram drivers, operations managers, driver trainers, sleep experts, and human factor specialists.
Jury Instructions and Trial Duration
Mr Justice Fraser addressed the jury panel, emphasizing the importance of their role in the case.
He cautioned them against conducting independent research or discussing the Croydon tram disaster with anyone until the formal direction is given on the next day.
The prosecution is being pursued by the Office of Rail and Road and is expected to last up to five weeks.
Dorris, a resident of Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, south-east London, is being represented in court by barrister Miles Bennett.
Analysis:
The trial commences with families of the victims seeking justice for the Croydon crash that claimed the lives of seven individuals and caused significant injuries.
The accused tram driver, Alfred Dorris, faces charges related to health and safety negligence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The indictment alleges that Dorris failed to ensure the well-being of both himself and the passengers on board tram 2551, leading to the tragic derailment and overturning of the tram near the Sandilands stop.
The trial proceedings are conducted in Court One of the Old Bailey under the jurisdiction of Mr Justice Fraser.
The presence of the victims’ families highlights the emotional weight of the case.
The jury panel, comprising twelve men and eight women, is briefed on the individuals involved in the trial, including experts in various fields related to the incident.
Mr Justice Fraser delivers crucial instructions to the jury, emphasizing the significance of the Croydon tram disaster and the need for impartiality.
The jury is urged to refrain from conducting personal research or discussing the case until the formal direction is provided.
The prosecution is led by the Office of Rail and Road, indicating the gravity of the allegations against Dorris.
The trial is expected to continue for up to five weeks, during which both sides will present their arguments and evidence.
Dorris, represented by barrister Miles Bennett, will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges, while the victims’ families hope for justice to be served and accountability to be established for the tragic Croydon crash.