Fall Left Passenger At Risk Of Foot Amputation

A man who sustained a serious ankle injury and was at risk of having his foot amputated following a fall from a Manchester tram has spoken out after the driver responsible for pushing him from the vehicle was sentenced.

Michael Gilliver, from Wythenshawe, suffered an open fracture to his right ankle last August during an altercation with a tram driver. Michael fell over 3ft from the vehicle on to the track below.  He also suffered damage to his leg and required extensive surgery and a skin graft.  He spent more than two weeks in hospital and was told that he was at risk of having his foot amputated.

Six months on, he has been left with scarring and is still struggling to come to terms with what happened.

Following the incident, Michael instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at national firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access the treatment he requires to get his life back on track.

Michael and his legal team have now spoken out after the driver was handed a one-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm.

Danielle Coxon, serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell, said after the hearing: “The actions of the tram driver in this incident have had a profound effect on Michael, who has faced an incredibly difficult few months because of the significant injuries he sustained.

“He hasn’t just been affected physically; his confidence has been completely knocked and it has had a significant impact on his life.

“News of the sentencing today is welcome and means that Michael can try and start to try and look to the future. We will continue to support Michael to help him access the rehabilitation he needs for his ongoing recovery.”

Michael, 36, was returning from a night out with friends in Manchester when he got on a tram to go home during the early hours of 10 August 2019.  However, he did not realise he was on the wrong tram.  He then fell asleep and missed the final stop.

The tram had terminated services at Manchester Piccadilly station and was parked at Sheffield Street when Michael was awoken by the driver and asked to disembark.  The court heard that the driver “bundled” Michael, who is classed as vulnerable due to a club foot, off the vehicle despite the fact it was not pulled up to a platform.

Following the incident, the driver Jonathan Hannah, 57, who was employed by Transport for Greater Manchester at the time, was dismissed from his job.  He was sentenced at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on 5 March.

After the hearing, Michael, a sports coach and community mentor and carer for his mother, said: “That evening is still very difficult to think about.  I was in complete shock when I was pushed off the tram, and then to suffer such an awful injury was devastating.

“Since it happened, I have been a nervous wreck.  My confidence has taken a huge dip and I even have nightmares.

“My ankle still isn’t back to how it should be and I have been unable to go back to work, so I’m struggling with no income.  Furthermore, I haven’t been able to care for my mum properly which is upsetting.

“What the tram driver did to me was despicable and sickening, and while it is welcome to hear the news of the sentencing, I hope it acts as a reminder to tram workers of the importance of treating people with care and respect. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone.”

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