ONE of the drivers involved in the Bath tipper truck tragedy is seeking to get the charges against him dropped today.

Philip John Potter, 19, of Little Middle Green Farm, Dauntsey, is charged with causing the death of Mitzi Steady, from Weston, in Lansdown Lane on February 9, last year.

He also faces a further count of the same charge in connection with the deaths of Swansea men Stephen Vaughan, 34, and Philip Allen, 52, as well as 59-year-old Robert Parker from Cwmbran, who all died when the car they were in was crushed by the truck driven by Potter.

Mother of two, Karla Brennan, was one of those seriously injured in the collision when her car was hit head-on by the truck.

Speaking ahead of today’s hearing she said: “I, like so many others, just want the chance to hear everyone’s testimony as to what occurred on the day.

“Ultimately, I believe lessons need to be learned and changes made to keep HGVs away from schools, and to that end I’m keen to do some campaigning to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.

“This accident has affected so many in such a profound way. Getting answers won’t make the issues go away, but it will make it easier for those involved to deal with what happened, and find closure.”

Trevor Sterling, from Moore Blatch Solicitors who represents Miss Brennan in a civil claim arising out of the accident, said: “There is also a genuine concern about the amount of time it is taking for the investigations and legal proceedings to be resolved.

“This case has had a profound psychological effect on many members of the community who, like Karla, are looking for answers as to how this tragic accident was able to take place on what should have been a very safe road.”

As well as being accused of dangerous driving causing the serious injury of Miss Brennan, the same charge has been made against Potter in relation to Mitzi's grandmother, Margaret Rogers, who was leading Mitzi across a pedestrian crossing when the pair were hit by the HGV.

He will appear at Bristol Crown Court.

Two other men who have also been charged in relation to the tragedy.

Matthew Gordon, 29, of Chestnut Farm, Dauntsey, was at the wheel of another tipper truck when the collision happened and is accused of aiding or abetting Potter in causing the deaths of Mitzi, Mr Parker, Mr Allen and Mr Vaughan.

Gordon is also charged with aiding or abetting Potter in causing injury to Ms Rogers and Ms Brennan and faces a further count of driving an HGV dangerously en route to the scene of the crash.

Potter was working for Gordon's firm at the time of the incident.

Mechanic Peter Wood, 55, of Brooklands, Chippenham, faces two counts of manslaughter.

The first charge relates to the death of Mitzi, and the second to those of Stephen Vaughan, Philip Allen and Robert Parker.