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."

FMI: www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/puma.cfm