Driver tells of reversing accident which cost life of his toddler son

Groundworker Andrew Bake was manoeuvring his Ford Transit van outside his home when he failed to see his son, called AJ, an inquest heard.

The child, who used to greet his father every day as he came home from work, was taken to Barnsley Hospital but died of head injuries.

Mr Bake, 40, of Cudworth, Barnsley, described how the tragedy happened on May 26 last year as he was trying to park.

He said: "As I was reversing back I didn't hear any shout or noise until I heard a lady who had parked her car nearby.

"I got out, the engine was still running and I ran round the front of the vehicle to the passenger side where I noticed my son trapped by the front wheel."

He said he had not seen the toddler and could not understand how he ended up underneath the van.

He went on: "I moved the van forward to release him from the wheel. I ran back to him and laid with him trying to talk to him."

Asked by assistant deputy coroner Julian Fox if there was any response he shook his head and said "no" before breaking down in tears in the witness box.

He said: "I was aware of people coming round trying to save him. I was just trying to talk to him."

Neighbour Barbara Roberts said from her bedroom she saw Mr Bake manoeuvre and then reverse as AJ came out of Mr Bake's double gates.

She said AJ went to the back of the van then changed his mind and went down the side. "I thought he couldn't conceive that the vehicle was reversing.

"He seemed to run down the side of the vehicle at that point I lost all vision.

"I didn't see the impact at all. I screamed.

"I stood there dazed and wishing for some movement but it never happened."

As the van was still moving the woman who had parked the car ran out waving her arms and shouting "stop, stop, stop".

Mr Bake was interviewed by police following the tragedy but a senior officer decided no charges should be brought.

The coroner said: "It is a huge tragedy for all concerned."

Verdict: Accidental death.