Glasgow bin lorry crash: Victims’ families walk out as driver refuses to

The Glasgow bin lorry crash driver may not have to answer any question beyond his name, age and occupation when he gives evidence at a fatal accident inquiry into the tragedy.

Harry Clarke, 58, will be called to give evidence today after a motion to adjourn the fatal accident inquiry was withdrawn by the family of one of the victims.

Wearing a suite and dark glasses, Mr Clarke was brought into the court room and sat only feet from the bereaved family members who have been at the inquiry each day.

She said the family felt it was in the best interests of everyone to conclude the inquiry “without delay” but confirmed they still intend to continue to pursue a private prosecution against Mr Clarke.

Six people died and 15 were injured after the lorry being driven by Harry Clarke veered out of control on 22 December.

In answer to the majority of questions put to him in the morning session, Mr Clarke responded: “I don’t want to answer that” or “No comment”.

Ms Thomson said: “The families have been in court every day to hear answers, do you know that?”

The inquiry into the crash, now entering its fifth week at Glasgow Sheriff Court, will hear from remaining witnesses before the sheriff announces his decision regarding the adjournment request on Thursday (20 August).

On Monday, relatives of Jacqueline Morton, 51, who was killed in the crash, said they would seek to bring charges against Mr Clarke after prosecutors ruled out doing so.

He then told the inquiry: “April 2010, I was off sick, that was the time with First Bus”.

“I didn’t know what had happened”.

As a paramedic and fire crews tried to talk to him before he was taken to hospital, he said: “My speech was slurred, and I knew who people were but I was very confused”.

Mr Buick said: “No, I checked them”.

The inquiry was told a meeting was held the day after the crash with representatives from the police, the Crown Office, the HSE and others, and it was agreed that the incident was a road traffic incident and would be investigated by police.

“I understand that”, Mr Clarke replied.

Sheriff John Beckett has previously been told there is no record of Mr Clarke’s reference on file with the employer.

The inquiry has looked at Mr Clarke’s medical history as well as the risk assessments that were in place for a heavy goods vehicle travelling through a busy city centre three days before Christmas.

Again, he replied he did not want to answer.

Erin McQuade, 18, and her grandparents Jack Sweeney, 68, and Lorraine Sweeney, 69, from Dumbarton, also died in the tragedy.

Former transport manager Mr Buick was shown an email he sent in March 2011 titled “references returned” in which Mr Clarke’s name was included.

Relatives of 29-year-old Stephenie Tait, from Glasgow, have said they would not be involved in any private prosecution.

Before giving evidence, Mr Clarke’s lawyer said that he would no doubt find it “traumatic” having questions put to him about the accident.