A man has denied unlawfully killing his three-year-old son in a tractor incident.

Today (Tuesday) Neil Speakman, 38, pleaded not guilty to gross negligence manslaughter after his son Albie was run over by a small tractor in the summer of 2022.

Albie suffered fatal injuries on a farm off Bentley Hall Road in Tottington at about 12.45pm on July 16.

Emergency services were called to the farm following the horrific incident and Albie, who lived in Bolton, was pronounced dead in an ambulance.

His death was confirmed when he arrived at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Appearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Speakman, of Bentley Hall Road, also denied that on July 16 as a self-employed person he failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health and safety of Albie.

Speakman will face trial on January 14, 2025.

In a statement issued at the time of his death, Albie’s mother, Leah Bridge, said: “Albie was an incredibly loving, affectionate and caring boy who just wanted everyone to be happy.

“He was so sensitive and wanted everyone to be OK, especially the people that he loved.”