No prosecutions over Croydon tram crash
BY JAMES TWOMEY
james@slpmedia.co.uk
Families of passengers who died in the Croydon Tram crash in 2016 have demanded an inquiry take place after a decision not to prosecute the driver or companies involved.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it would not prosecute driver Alfred Dorris, from Beckenham, or companies Transport for London (TfL) and Trams Operations Ltd because of a lack of evidence.
On November 9, 2016 a tram was approaching a bend in the track at a point near the Sandilands stop when it derailed and overturned.
The tram was found to be travelling far in excess of the speed limit when it derailed.
Seven passengers died and 51 were seriously injured.
The driver survived without serious injury.
Ben Posford, partner at London law firm Osbornes Law, represents Andrzej Rynkiewicz, whose wife Dorota died in the Croydon tram crash.
Mr Posford said: “This news will be devastating for many of the families, who assumed that the delay of almost three years meant charges might be brought at the end of the investigation.
“However, since the Rail Accident Investigation Branch reports into the crash were published within months of the accident, it was evident that investigators would struggle to find sufficient grounds to
prosecute.
Understandably the police wished to explore every avenue and gather potential evidence, but for the bereaved families, the process has meant an interminable wait for answers as to what happened to their loved ones and why.
“We are days away from the three-year anniversary of the crash and what the family I represent wants, and have been asking for for many months, is an inquest.
“We need to understand why that corner of the track was not adequately risk assessed and get to the bottom of who made the decision not to install an automatic braking system.
“It is vital that the systemic failures that led to this tragic event are explored in an open and transparent process, so that answers are provided for the families of the bereaved, and lessons are learned for the future.”
TfL have accepted some liability in civil claims taken against them by families of passengers.
A TfL spokeswoman said: “TfL made an early admission of liability in respect of all civil claims arising from the tragedy.”
Jenny Hopkins, head of the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “The Croydon tram crash has had a devastating effect on the local community, especially the families and friends of the seven people who so tragically lost their lives.
“The CPS has carefully reviewed all the available material in this case in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and concluded that the evidence does not support a prosecution of the driver for the offence of gross negligence manslaughter.
“We considered other criminal offences but the evidence did not support a prosecution.
“We fully recognise the impact this decision will have on families who have lost their loved ones and we have offered to meet with them to explain our reasons in full.
“Our thoughts remain with everybody affected by this tragedy.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ