Thomas Harding, ” assumes its share of responsibility

Catherine Montambeault

Monday, 22 January 2018 15:10

UPDATE
Monday, 22 January 2018 22:21

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The driver of the train that exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Thomas Harding, said he is ” deeply sorry “, Monday, for his share of responsibility in this tragedy.

The ex-employee of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic (MMA) came out of his silence for the first time since his acquittal in the offices of his lawyer, Sherbrooke.

He was first sent to the families and friends of the 47 victims of the train derailment that occurred in July 2013.

“I can’t find words sufficient to express my sympathy. I am deeply sorry for my part of responsibility in this tragedy. I assume this responsibility now, and I accept always “, he said in a tone asked.

Reading a text in French, then in English, Mr. Harding thanked the members of the jury for ” the seriousness that they have set to accomplish their task “. He also praised those who supported him throughout the proceedings, including sending her letters and cards.

The trial “good” for him

One of his lawyers, Thomas Walsh, has then answered questions of journalists. He said that the trial had been “very good” for Thomas Harding, since the public had the opportunity to better understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

“[Mr. Harding] is no longer seen as the only and unique person, he said. I think that all the world understands better that it was systemic, the problems with MMA and the rail industry in general. […] But the moral responsibility is, of course, is still there and will still be up there. “

The lawyer has also pointed out that the reaction of the people of Lac-Mégantic following the verdict was ” very encouraging “. It has, however, expressed the hope that the people upset by the decision, such as Raymond Lafontaine, who lost a son, two daughters-in-law and an employee, are backed by the message of Mr. Harding.

After the announcement of the verdict, Raymond Lafontaine had complained in The Newspaper that the jury had ” to say to all of Quebec, and to countries that listen to us that you can burn a city without being responsible “.

“I think what [Mr. Lafontaine] was trying to say is that person had not assumed its part of responsibility, has supported Me Walsh on Monday. Therefore, I hope that the message of Mr. Harding’s going to resonate at the house of Mr. Lafontaine. “

Back before the courts

After three months of trial, Thomas Harding was acquitted on Friday of charges of criminal negligence filed against him, as the ex-controller’s railway Richard Labrie, and the former director of the transport to the MMA Jean Demaître.

His two co-defendants addressed the media at the exit of the court room, while Mr. Harding was silent.

The three men will return to court on February 5 to face the criminal charges brought against them by the federal government.

– With the QMI Agency