Fri, Nov 18, 2011
Crash In 2007 Killed Three, Left Defendant A Paraplegic
In a bitter case dating back to August, 2007, former Royal Air
Force Flight Lieutenant Robert Hamilton has pleaded guilty to a
charge of negligence in the crash of an RAF Westland Puma
helicopter (similar aircraft pictured) in a field at Catterick
Garrison, North Yorkshire. He also stands charged with willful
neglect, a charge which was not settled in court. The accident
claimed the lives of the pilot, a crewman, and a 17-year-old Army
recruit who was among 12 occupants of the aircraft during a
training mission.
Hamilton was the co-pilot on the flight, and suffered injuries
in the crash which have left him a paraplegic. According to a
report in The Northern Echo, Hamilton was charged with failing to
ensure the mission was executed in a manner which minimized the
risks to the aircraft, its occupants or the general public, and
also failed to advise the aircraft commander accordingly and if
necessary to offer specific guidance to avoid hazardous
situations.
Vice Judge Advocate General Michael Hunter ordered Hamilton to
reappear in court at Bulford, Wiltshire on December 16 for
sentencing.
In a somewhat remarkable turn of events, a person who is
apparently the mother of one of the deceased has had an exchange on an internet forum with another
poster claiming to be Hamilton, who commented, "I can never forgive
myself nor expect you to forgive me for what happened to your son
however you need to know that I was merely the goon in the front
seat representing a failed training system at RAF Benson.
"My deepest condolences have always been with you and I only
wish I had your address all these years to let you know."
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