Inquiry into recovery worker's death after lorry tipped over

An inquiry is to be held into the death of a man who died when the vehicle recovery lorry he was operating tipped over onto him in Aberdeenshire.

Robert Garvock, 68, died in 2018 on the B999 Pitmedden to Potterton road.

The senior recovery operator, from Longside, was recovering a stolen van which was on its side down an embankment when the lorry tipped, causing the cab to come down on him.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) preliminary hearing had been set for 27 May at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

His employer Kairdson Tyres - which provided vehicle recovery services to Police Scotland - was fined £9,800 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in 2023.

The Ellon-based firm admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

At the time, relatives said he was loved by his family and well-respected by colleagues.

Debbie Carroll from the COPFS said that as the death happened in the course of his employment a FAI was mandatory.

FAIs are used to establish facts and see if any lessons can be learned, rather than to apportion blame.