Albie Speakman's mum breaks silence with heartbreaking tribute to three-year-old after ex-partner cleared of gross negligence manslaughter

The mother of a boy who died after he was hit by a defective farm machine has spoken out after the child's father - who was driving - was found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. Albie Speakman, three, suffered fatal injuries after Neil Speakman, 39, reversed a telehandler into him in Bury, on July 16, 2022.

Today (Thursday, February 6) Albie's mother Leah Bridge, who was in court and visibly upset when the verdict was delivered, said she would be 'forever broken'. Ms Bridge, who separated from Mr Speakman shortly after Albie was born, posted on Instagram: "My perfect little sunshine boy, I am so unbelievably sorry. I just can't comprehend what has happened.

"I will forever remain broken. I will forever remain without you. The world is a very unjust place to live, and I feel numb. Our story will soon be told Albie. I love you endlessly my sunshine boy. Until we meet again, your tiny heart can rest in much more peace than you ever experienced on this earth."

The tragedy happened in a yard next to a small garden area at the front of a farmhouse on Bentley Hall Road, Walshaw, where a few minutes earlier the father had left Albie to play with their two pet dogs, jurors were told.

While Mr Speakman had used the Kramer telehandler before, he was not officially trained, his trial heard. The machine had various defects, including a missing wing mirror. The prosecution told jurors at the Minshull Street Crown Court trial Albie died 'as a result of his father's negligence, which created a serious and obvious risk of death'.

The telehandler was later inspected by health and safety officials, who the court heard found its various defects would have hindered safe operation. Their report concluded it was 'foreseeable that