Glasgow bin lorry crash teen tells how she’s back on the ball

A LAWYER for a family which lost three members in the Glasgow bin lorry crash has said they “profoundly disagree” with the decision not to prosecute any party over the deaths, an inquiry has heard.

Family lawyers will state that he was responsible for placing himself at the wheel of the lorry on the day of the crash and that his ability to do so, in spite of his medical history, is a effect of a flawed system.

The Crown Office said in February that no charges would be brought against Mr Clarke and the relevant information had been taken into account regarding a decision not to prosecute.

Driver Harry Clarke previously gave evidence at the inquiry (PA) Mr Stewart’s statement read: “She has returned to George Square only once since and she told me she wouldn’t go back”.

The family representative said relatives had found it “difficult to prepare for” the FAI and the speed with which it has been held has “placed them under heightened pressure in reliving the tragic circumstances”.

Mr Stewart said such an approach to risk management could have prevented the tragedy.

The QC told the inquiry the families had shown “remarkable strength of character, grace and dignity” and extended condolences to those who have suffered loss.

Sheriff John Beckett said: “I would agree with that”.

All three died at the scene from multiple injures.

She finds it hard to avoid the scene of the accident because she studies in the city.

Following the closing submissions, the Sheriff will issue his determination at a later date.

“She was also a talented artist and painter”, Mr Stewart said.

Mr Stewart added: “Mrs Sweeney was a working lady”.

Mark Stewart QC represents the family of Jack Sweeney, 68, his wife Lorraine Sweeney, 69, and their 18-year-old grand-daughter, Erin McQuade, who were among the six victims killed last December.

At the time of the crash, she was back in Scotland to spend her first Christmas in four years with her family.

He said this been done, it would have been a “trigger” which would have “instigated and excited and inquiry into Mr Clarke’s medical background”.

He also added that there could be a change in the law in a bid to ensure more prosecutions for people who make false declarations to the DVLA.

Ms Forbes said that the Morton family, who are seeking a private prosecution against Mr Clarke, also feel that Glasgow City Council, the DVLA and First Bus could implement better systems regarding the employment of drivers and medical checks.

The Solicitor General, in her final submissions, made wide-reaching recommendations about what could be done to avoid another tragedy.

Six people were killed and 15 were injured when the refuse truck ran out of control on 22 December previous year as Mr Clarke, 58, collapsed unconscious at the wheel.

A minute read to the inquiry stated that Glasgow City Council would have been unlikely to have employed Mr Clarke if it was aware of the blackout, if his licence had been suspended at the time and if he had disclosed the incident in his application.