Manslaughter charge
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• The former transport manager of Fewston Transport will face a manslaughter charge next week—the first case of its kind to be brought against a truck operator involved in a road accident.
Eric Preston was manager of the Skipton-based haulier three years ago when one of its trucks lost control at Sowerby Bridge and killed six people. He has been summonsed to appear on 4 February before Calderdale magistrates.
The Crown Prosecution Service originally decided against bringing a prosecution but last summer announced that it would bring a manslaughter charge against Preston because additional evidence had emerged.
Preston's solicitor, Stephen Kirkbright, says he expects Preston to plead not-guilty to manslaughter. If convicted, Preston could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.