24/07/2008

Father Charged Over Daughter's Quadbike Death

The father of a young girl who was killed while riding a quad bike has been charged with manslaughter.

Seven-year-old Elizabeth Cooke died after a head-on collision with a Range Rover on Boxing Day last year near her home in Blackmore, Essex.

Elizabeth and her brother Jack, 10, had been riding the quad bikes, which they had been given for Christmas, behind their father, Gary.

While driving down a narrow country lane, Elizabeth's bike collided with a vehicle driven by a 28-year-old woman who was heading in the opposite direction.

The youngster was initially taken to her home about half a mile away but was then admitted to hospital where she died shortly after suffering "multiple injuries".

Her brother was unhurt.

Mr Cooke was charged on Wednesday of 'manslaughter by gross neglect' after reporting to a police station and was released on bail pending his court appearance.

He was initially arrested in January.

Police say the 28-year-old driver will not be charged with any offence.

Crown Prosecution Service said that Mr Cooke would appear before magistrates in Grays, Essex, on July 31.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to ride a quad bike on a public road.

(DS)

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