A tragic incident unfolded on December 21, 2021, in Blackheath when a 42-year-old driver, Frederick Mansfield, collided with a bus stop, leading to the death of a 14-year-old boy, Logan Finch, and causing serious injuries to Logan’s aunt, Rachel Poole. Mansfield now stands trial, facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving.

The harrowing incident occurred at approximately 3:33 pm when Logan, his aunt Rachel Poole, and two cousins were waiting at a bus stop near the junction of Kidbrooke Park Road. Suddenly, Mansfield’s vehicle veered towards them at considerable speed, colliding with a lamp post before striking the bus stop itself, ultimately pinning Logan against it.

Logan sustained fatal injuries and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene at 4:02 pm. Rachel Poole suffered severe injuries to her legs and chest.

CCTV footage captured the distressing incident, offering a visual account of the tragedy that unfolded that day.

Initially, Mansfield claimed that he had pressed the wrong pedal, but his narrative shifted over time. He later informed the police that he didn’t recall the incident and speculated that he might have blacked out or fallen asleep during the crucial moments leading up to the collision.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed that Mansfield had been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, a condition characterized by disturbed sleep at night, leading to daytime tiredness. Mansfield contends that this condition was the root cause of the tragic crash.

However, the prosecution presented Mansfield’s medical records, which showed no prior complaints related to sleep apnoea before the incident.

Prosecutor Rupert Kent asserted that even if the crash resulted from Mansfield falling asleep due to his condition, he should have been aware of feeling tired and taken appropriate precautions. Kent also highlighted evidence suggesting that Mansfield might not have blacked out or fallen asleep. The CCTV footage showed brake lights on Mansfield’s truck flashing just before the collision, and the vehicle shifted into reverse afterwards. Additionally, Mansfield provided descriptions of Logan and Rachel Poole’s positions before the crash, indicating that he may have been awake during that time.

The prosecution’s position is that Mansfield failed to exercise proper attention and caution while driving, alleging that his actions fell far below the standards of a competent driver.

Frederick Mansfield, residing in Imperial Gardens in Hythe, denies the charges of causing Logan’s death and serious injury to Rachel Poole by dangerous driving. He also denies two lesser charges related to causing death and serious injury by careless driving.

The trial continues as investigators and legal experts seek to unravel the details surrounding this tragic incident and determine Mansfield’s culpability.