Lorry driver jailed after colliding with family at bus stop in Eltham

A man has been jailed for causing the death of a 14-year-old boy by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to his aunt.

Frederick Mansfield, 43 (29.01.81) of Imperial Gardens, Hythe appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 22 February where he was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious personal injury by dangerous driving

Detective Sergeant Louise Woodgate, of the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I hope that Frederick Mansfield uses his time behind bars to consider the human cost of his actions and the heartbreak he has caused to Logan’s family and loved ones.”

At around 15:30hrs on 21 December 2021, Logan Finch, 14, was waiting for a bus on Eltham Road in Greenwich with family members after having been swimming with friends. As they waited at the bus stop a drop-sided lorry, driven by Frederick Mansfield, drove into them.

Officers, London Ambulance Service, London’s Air Ambulance and London Fire Brigade attended the scene

Three pedestrians, Logan, his 40-year-old aunt and her nine-year-old son were found suffering from injuries.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Logan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene around an hour later.

His next of kin have been supported throughout by specialist officers.

Logan’s aunt continues to suffer from the effects of her injuries.

Mansfield, who was driving the lorry, stopped at the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken to a south London police station. He was later released under investigation.

Mansfield was charged on 28 October 2022 by postal requisition with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was convicted following trial at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 15 January.

During trial he claimed to suffer with severe sleep apnoea and blamed this condition for the collision, however the jury did not accept this and found him unanimously guilty of both charges.

DS Woodgate added: “Logan’s death, and the injuries caused to the other two victims were wholly avoidable.

“While nothing can bring Logan back, I hope that his family find a small measure of comfort from the sentence handed down and in knowing that justice has been served. All our thoughts remain with them.”