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TRAM TRAGEDY

Driver of deadly tram crash pictured for first time arriving at court

THE driver of a tram that crashed killing seven passengers is pictured for the first time — arriving at court yesterday.

Alfred Dorris, 48, is facing trial over the derailment — which also left 51 people injured — in Croydon, South London in November 2016.

Alfred Dorries, 48, pictured outside court
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Alfred Dorries, 48, pictured outside courtCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
An inquest last year heard that the tram toppled over and spun off the tracks in darkness and heavy rain after approaching a curve at 45mph
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An inquest last year heard that the tram toppled over and spun off the tracks in darkness and heavy rain after approaching a curve at 45mphCredit: Jim Bennett

He yesterday indicated a not guilty plea to an allegation of failing as an employee to take reasonable care of passengers.

Dorris, of Beckenham, South East London, was released on unconditional bail by Croydon magistrates to appear at the town’s crown court on July 8.

Services on Croydon Tramlink are managed by Transport for London and FirstGroup-owned Tram Operations Limited.

Both groups also face criminal charges and have indicated that they will plead guilty to health and safety failings.

The victims of the crash were Dane Chinnery, 19, Philip Seary, 57, Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, Robert Huxley, 63, and Philip Logan, 52, all from New Addington, and Donald Collett, 62, and Mark Smith, 35, both from Croydon.

An inquest last year heard that the tram toppled over and spun off the tracks in darkness and heavy rain after approaching a curve at 45mph.

The limit for that stretch of track was 12mph.

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