A pub landlord has been convicted of serving alcohol to a 16-year-old boy who later died in a drink-driving crash. Anthony Wiazcek, 65, gave five pints of lager to Hector Eccles at the Roggerham Gate pub in Burnley, Lancashire, on March 30, 2024, despite knowing he was underage.
Details of the Incident
Burnley Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Eccles, a young farmer, got onto his quad bike with a friend after consuming the alcohol. He lost control and crashed into a field. Paramedics attended but could not save him. A 17-year-old passenger was not seriously injured.
Conviction and Sentence
Wiazcek, the only person behind the bar that night, was found guilty of selling alcohol to a person under 18. He was fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264 and prosecution costs of £650. His personal alcohol licence was suspended for three months.
The court heard that Wiazcek had known Hector since childhood, having taken him to football matches, and was aware he was under 18.
Victim Impact Statement
In an emotional statement, Hector's mother, Wendy Eccles, described her life as 'destroyed beyond repair'. She said: 'The day Hector died I died with him. We don't live our lives now we just exist.' She added that Hector never took his GCSEs or attended his school prom, and that his father has not slept more than an hour since the accident, resulting in health issues.
Mrs Eccles expressed the family's ongoing grief, stating: 'How can we carry on building up a business for Hector? Farming was all he wanted to do.'
Police Response
Steve Dundon, Licensing Sergeant for Burnley, Rossendale, Pendle and Ribble Valley, welcomed the outcome: 'Whilst nothing will bring back Hector, this incident highlights why the sale of alcohol is strictly controlled and the consequences of irresponsible sales. We will continue to work with licensed premises and take enforcement action where responsibilities are ignored.'
