Tram driver will not face charges over deaths
Blow to families of seven killed in Croydon as CPS says there is not enough evidence to prosecute
THE driver of the tram that crashed in Croydon in 2016, killing seven people, will not face criminal charges in connection with the incident, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.
Alfred Dorris, who escaped serious injury in the accident, was thought to have fallen asleep or momentarily lost concentration, shortly before the packed tram overturned at high speed on the morning of Nov 9 2016.
He was arrested and questioned on suspicion of manslaughter.
An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found it was probable he had “temporarily lost awareness” on a straight section of track and may have fallen into a “microsleep” for up to 49 seconds.
But prosecutors have now concluded that there is not enough evidence to charge him with gross negligence manslaughter or any other related offences.
They also said there was not enough evidence to charge the tram operator with corporate manslaughter.
The CPS said it had considered other charges against the driver, including causing death by dangerous or careless driving, but because trams were not considered to be travelling on roads, the law could not be applied.
The announcement that nobody will face charges over the tragedy will come as a blow to those who lost loved ones.
Andrzej Rynkiewicz lost his wife Dorota, 35, in the crash. His lawyer,
Ben Posford, said: “This news will be devastating for many of the families, who assumed that the delay of almost three years meant charges might be brought at the end of the investigation.
“Understandably the police wished to explore every avenue, but for the bereaved families, the process has meant an interminable wait for answers.”
He added: “It is vital that the systemic failures that led to this tragic event are explored in an open and transparent process, so that answers are provided for the families, and lessons are learned for the future.”
Rui De Sa, 34, who was one of the 51 injured, said Transport for London (TFL) ought to be prosecuted.
The father-of-two from New Addington near Croydon, said: “TFL should be facing charges. They should be checking on these companies. No one wants to take the blame. I feel like no one cares. I don’t think the driver should have faced charges.”
Jenny Hopkins, head of the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “The Croydon tram crash has had a devastating effect on the community, especially the families and friends of the seven people who so tragically lost their lives.
“The CPS has carefully reviewed all the available material … and concluded that the evidence does not support a prosecution of the driver. Our thoughts remain with everybody affected.”
Det Supt Gary Richardson said: “For three years, my team has been working to uncover what happened.
“We know that this update may not be the news that many had hoped for … but we are satisfied that every scrap of evidence has been scrutinised and … it has been concluded that the threshold to bring charges against the driver, TFL and Tram Operations Ltd, have not been met.”