Torrington pays respects to popular teenager

AS the family prepare for the funeral of Torrington teenager Daylin Brown, his employers are being questioned over the circumstances of his death. The 16-year-old died when the Land Rover he was driving while working for local company K and J Plant crashe

AS the family prepare for the funeral of Torrington teenager Daylin Brown, his employers are being questioned over the circumstances of his death.

The 16-year-old died when the Land Rover he was driving while working for local company K and J Plant crashed just outside the town on February 5.

It was said that Daylin was allowed to drive the vehicle on his tractor licence as it was classified as an agricultural vehicle. Now that is being questioned by police, who are investigating whether it was legal.

If not, the company could face charges, even of corporate manslaughter.

Keith Curtis, managing director of K and J Plant, told the Gazette: "We have done absolutely nothing wrong as far as we are concerned."

Daylin's grandfather Dave Kelly said this left a dark cloud hanging over them.

"Daylin would not have wanted anything like this," he said. "He adored everyone at K and J. He would not want his bosses in trouble in any way and the family feel the same. We just hope this will all be resolved as soon as possible."

Mr Kelly revealed that Daylin's coffin would be carried from his home on Friday, March 12, on a K and J low-loader vehicle to his funeral at the parish church. The coffin would be in white and carry the emblems of Leeds United Football Club, which Daylin had supported since a young boy.

Family and close friends would follow in procession and with so many close friends, there would be a total of 16 bearers taking part.

The JCB song would play the mourners into the church, said Mr Kelly.

Daylin's mother Lyndsay would read a poem and speak of her son. Mr Curtis from K and J Plant and one of Daylin's former teachers would give eulogies and the anthem of the Sealed Knot re-enactment society, of which Daylin was a member, would be played.

They were also hoping that North Devon personality Johnny Kingdom, one of Daylin's idols, would also be able to attend.

Detective Inspector Dave Atkinson told the Gazette: "Daylin died in the course of his employment. We have to keep an open mind, but employers have a duty of care. The police have a duty and are bound to investigate the causes. A 16-year-old driving a vehicle raises questions. We will investigate the circumstances and present a file to the Criminal Prosecution Service, which will decide if any charges should be brought.