A devastating incident in Blackheath has led to the imprisonment of a truck driver following a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left his aunt seriously injured.
Logan Finch was waiting for the 321 bus on Eltham Road with his aunt and cousins on December 21, 2021, when tragedy struck. A truck driven by 43-year-old Frederick Mansfield veered onto the pavement, resulting in Logan being pinned between the truck and the bus stop. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Logan was pronounced dead at the scene, while his aunt, Rachel Poole, sustained serious injuries.
Mansfield appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on February 22, where he faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the fatal crash.
During the trial, Mansfield attempted to attribute the incident to a previously undiagnosed sleep condition, claiming he had drifted off seconds before the crash. However, Logan’s mother, Natalie Roach, expressed her disappointment in Mansfield’s plea of not guilty, criticizing him for forcing the family to endure an agonizing trial.
In her emotional victim impact statement, Roach described Logan as a bright, energetic, and considerate young man who was loved by everyone who knew him. She emphasized the immense pain caused by Mansfield’s actions, highlighting the lasting impact on Logan’s family and the void left by his absence.
The court heard how Logan, accompanied by his aunt, cousins, and a friend, was on his way to have a haircut in Eltham when the tragedy occurred. Mansfield’s truck collided with a lamp post before striking the bus stop where Logan and his family were waiting, resulting in fatal injuries for Logan and serious harm to Rachel Poole.
Despite Mansfield’s attempts to deflect blame, evidence presented during the trial painted a damning picture of his actions. Bodyworn footage showed Mansfield acknowledging his responsibility shortly after the crash, admitting he had put his foot on the wrong pedal. However, his narrative evolved over time, with Mansfield later claiming to have blacked out or fallen asleep at the wheel.
In sentencing Mansfield, Judge Jonathan Mann KC emphasized the heightened responsibility of drivers operating large vehicles, stressing the need for vigilance and awareness of their surroundings. Mansfield was sentenced to seven years in prison and disqualified from driving for six and a half years.
