Bournemouth recovery driver sentenced after runaway car crush

A vehicle recovery driver has faced sentencing after an incident involving a Range Rover that rolled down a hill, resulting in serious injuries to a passerby who attempted to assist. Sean Baker, employed by GRS Recovery Bournemouth, received a 14-week prison sentence suspended for one year at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday.

The event occurred during a recovery operation on 22 March 2024, as captured on CCTV footage. The two-tonne Range Rover began to move uncontrollably down Exeter Crescent, dragging Baker, who was caught by one of the rear wheels. Kai Dransfield, who was on a break from his job at TGI Fridays nearby, witnessed Baker trapped under the vehicle. Dransfield attempted to help, recalling, “He made eye contact with me, and my first thought was to just grab him to try and help him.” Unfortunately, Dransfield was struck by the vehicle and pulled underneath it.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the vehicle passed over both of Dransfield’s legs, causing severe injuries including multiple broken bones and spinal fractures. More than two years following the incident, Dransfield continues to experience chronic pain and struggles with mobility.

An investigation by the HSE revealed that initially, Baker had secured the Range Rover with a winch attached to the front, which would have prevented it from rolling away if the handbrake failed or was released. However, he later removed the winch, lifted the vehicle, and placed skates under the rear wheels without using wheel chocks or attaching breakaway cables. This lack of proper securing allowed the vehicle to roll backwards once lowered onto the skates. The HSE found that Baker did not adhere to standard recovery protocols and failed to take reasonable care for his safety and that of others. His conduct was described as falling below the expectations for a competent, experienced recovery driver. Baker admitted guilt for breaching Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

In a statement following the sentencing, HSE inspector Alexander Ashen emphasized the seriousness of the lapse: “Sean Baker was an experienced recovery driver. Failing to properly secure a vehicle weighing more than two tonnes on a steep hill was a fundamental error. This happened in a busy town centre, close to restaurants and car parks, with vehicles, motorcyclists and pedestrians regularly passing through the area. Sean Baker’s failings were substantial, they exposed everyone nearby to risk and resulted in a member of the public, who stepped in to help, suffering life-changing injuries.

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