Not a liar or deceitful, just an ordinary man … QC offers defence of driver
THE driver of the bin lorry that crashed in Glasgow’s George Square, killing six people, is neither “a liar or a deceitful man,” according to his advocate.
Harry Clarke is just “ordinary man who has the failings of an ordinary man,” Paul Reid QC told the fatal accident inquiry into last December’s accident.
He also said Mr Clarke has been treated “unfairly” during an inquiry into the tragedy.
In his final submission, Mr Reid said: “Mr Clarke understands there is nothing I can say on his behalf that will offer any meaningful comfort to the families of those who died.”
He said the Glasgow City Council employee “did not set out that morning to inflict loss”.
Mr Reid added: “He is not a liar or a deceitful man, as has been suggested. He is an ordinary man with the failings of an ordinary man.”
He said Mr Clarke will “carry with him” the tragic events of December 22 for the rest of his life.
He added that the driver does not “seek to blame others” but said that with hindsight there were other issues.
But he added: “Just as Mr Clarke did not to set out to cause carnage, he has no reason to doubt the sincerity of others’ actions.”
Mr Reid said the allegations “levelled” at the driver throughout the FAI have been unfair.
He said: “It was Harry Clarke’s intention to answer every question put to him.”
But in the knowledge he is facing a private prosecution he exercised his “birthright” not to incriminate himself.
Mr Reid said it was“lamentable” Mr Clarke was attacked for doing this.
He said the allegation put to Mr Clarke the tragedy was “all his fault” was “unfounded and unfair”.
Mr Reid said: “Prior to Decem- ber 2014 no doctor had ever told Mr Clarke that his medical condition made him unfit to drive.”
“No indication was ever given to Mr Clarke to notify a medical condition to the DVLA. It was reasonable for him to rely on the doctors in that regard.”
He added: “Mr Clarke’s medical history gave no indication he was at an increased risk of a vasovagal episode.
“To suggest Mr Clarke should have known he was unfit to drive because of his medical history has no basis in fact.”
Mr Reid added that it was “simply incredible” to suggest his client had tried to “cover up” his medical history.
Earlier he said Mr Clarke, “does not doubt for a minute the unimaginable loss, grief and distress” suffered by the families.
He added “On behalf of Mr Clarke and from myself and those who instruct me I would like to convey my condolences.”