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Son's plea: I want an apology for my dad
THE son of a tram driver, blamed for a serious crash almost 30 years ago, is demanding a posthumous apology for his father.
Darrell Pierre, of Fenton Road, Blackpool, died in July. He had been injured in a head-on crash on the tramways in the summer on 1980.
Six other people were also injured.
His son, Stephen, is now fighting to clear his father's name over the incident.
Mr Pierre Jr claims the company at the time of the crash, Blackpool Corporation Transport (BCT), made his father a "scapegoat".
He now plans to employ a human rights lawyer and take the case to the Supreme Court unless a posthumous pardon is granted by Blackpool Council.
Former Blackpool entertainer Mr Pierre Jnr said: "All the family wants is closure.
"My father took the blame for the acc-ident and I believe he was a scapegoat.
"At the time my father had worked as a reliable employee at BCT for 13 years. He had an unblemished record and was well respected in the company."
Mr Pierre Snr, a father-of-six, came to the resort during the 1960s and took a job with BCT in 1967.
He was suspended from duty following the accident and 100 per cent of the blame apportioned to him.
But, after Mr Pierre Snr took BCT to a tribunal in 1982, the blame was reduced to 20 per cent with the company being held 80 per cent responsible for the accident.
He also won 2,000 compensation.
But now, his family want a full pardon issued.
Mr Pierre Jnr said: "Despite my campaign to clear his name, we are yet to have an apology, even though a High Court judge took the decision to clear 80 per cent of the blame from my father. A formal pardon is the right decision to take."
Despite the incident, Mr Pierre carried on working for BCT, which included tram conducting even though he still suffered pain from the injuries he sustained in the crash.
No evidence relating to the crash has ever been offered to the family, who now feel justice should be carried out on his behalf.
Mr Pierre added: "It will be the 30 year anniversary of the crash next year and every day we are reminded of it.
"All we want is closure so my family can carry on with their lives and my father can finally rest in peace."
A Blackpool Council spokesman said: "Earlier this week, the council received a letter detailing Mr Pierre's campaign.
"A response will be sent once we have had an opportunity to look into the case."
The 77-year-old passed away in July after collapsing in Fisher Street, Blackpool.
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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