Bin lorry driver blames school run for problems on day of tragic accident

A REFUSE driver accused of causing a colleague’s death when he reversed into a telegraph pole told a jury yesterday that he was forced to drive on the pavement because of the circumstances of that particular stretch of roadway at that time of day.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Feb 2011, 09:45 BST

Ronald Fieldhouse said at the time of the morning when he was doing the collection round in Beeston Park Terrace, Leeds, the road was often “chock-a-block” with parked cars because of parents taking children to a nearby school.

He told Leeds Crown Court in an “ideal world” he would not have to drive on to the pavement as part of his reversing into the cul-de-sac but “unfortunately because of the circumstances around the manoeuvre required in that road it forces it upon us.”

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The jury has heard after he struck the telegraph pole it fell on to David Nelson who was working behind the vehicle, causing him a severe head trauma from which he died.

Fieldhouse, 51 of Grange Avenue, Tadcaster denies causing the death of Mr Nelson, 56, by careless driving on April 19 last year.

He told the jury he was experienced at driving dustbin lorries for both Selby District and Leeds Council.

Mr Nelson was the banksman for the collection team that day and it was part of his job to help guide the vehicle into such cul-de-sacs.

Fieldhouse said the kerb was also very low on the road concerned.

The trial continues.