Men cleared in tractor death

A father and son from Norfolk have been cleared of causing the death of a 62-year-old man while they tried to reverse a tractor and trailer across a busy main road.

Andrew McLaren of Fakenham, Norfolk, died after his car hit the tractor and trailing potato grader on the A1067 road near Attlebridge, Norfolk, on 15 November 2001.

Farmer Peter Medler, 44, of Lingwood and his 22-year-old son, Ricky Medler of Great Yarmouth, were found guilty by a jury at Norwich Crown Court of an alternative charge of careless driving.

Both had denied causing Mr McLaren's death by dangerous driving.

Driving ban

Judge Paul Downes sentenced Ricky Medler to a six-month driving ban, and his father to seven penalty points on his licence.

During the trial the jury heard that Ricky Medler had been driving the tractor and the potato grader while his father followed in a car, giving directions.

The court was told the potato grader was 11 metres long, three metres wide and not properly lit

Oncoming traffic had not been warned of its presence.

The trailer was being turned around because Ricky Medler had taken a wrong turn when Mr McLaren's collided with the rear.

Both men were each ordered to pay a £300 fine and £200 in court costs.