Memorial plaque honours “bravest little lion”

Thursday 28 June 2018

A new plaque has been put up in the Town Park to honour the memory of a toddler who was tragically killed after being struck by a van two years ago.

The memorial plaque is dedicated to three-year-old Clinton Pringle, who had come to the island from Glasgow on a family holiday when he was hit by a van in June 2016 - two years ago yesterday.

The plaque reads: “In memory of three year old Clinton Pringle from Glasgow, who was fatally injured as he entered Millennium Town Park on 27 June 2016.”

It continues with a tribute to the toddler, chosen by his parents: “‘The bravest little lion with the biggest heart’”. The plaque also bears a picture of Clinton, also chosen by his mother and father, which was taken just a week or two before his death.

Pictured: The memorial plaque pays tribute to Clinton Pringle, who was three years old when he was involved in a fatal car accident.

The memorial is surrounded by toys, wreaths, flowers and even a Scottish flag to remember the young boy, who would have been starting school this September.

It follows the news that States officials have delayed the release of an engineer’s report which focusses on the design and layout of the road where Clinton was killed. 

The collision took place in Tunnell Street, a contentious ‘shared space’ next to the Town Park where there are no road markings, little signage and a pavement without a kerb.

Pictured: The controversial 'shared space' at Tunnell Street where Clinton was hit by a van two years ago yesterday.

Rebekah Le Gal, the driver of the van which hit Clinton, was sentenced for careless driving in relation to the death. However, many people – including a forensic collision investigator – believe that the design of the road was partially responsible for the accident. 

Clinton’s father, Michael Pringle, told Express that he was touched by the installation of the plaque: “It’s a really nice gesture by the Parish of St. Helier and I’d like to thank Simon Crowcroft who has been instrumental in putting up the plaque. 

"I would reiterate that it doesn't change my views on the road, the changes that have been made to the road do not go far enough, but it is a nice gesture and I appreciate it. It permanently marks what took place there as it’s very close to the spot where [the collision] happened.”

Mr Pringle also expressed his gratitude for the continuing support of the people of Jersey: “We’ve had many gestures from people in Jersey with people sending mementos and messages of support which is a comfort… it’s very touching that people haven't forgotten about it.”

Pictured: Clinton's father, Michael, expressed the family's gratitude to the Parish for installing the memorial plaque.

The family face a difficult week with the two-year anniversaries both of the collision and of Clinton’s death. However, some solace is to be found in Clinton’s younger brother Leyton Francisco Pringle, who is now ten months old. Mr Pringle said that Leyton is getting on well and that he looks really like his brother, with the same blonde hair and blue eyes. 

Leyton’s middle name is a special tribute to islander Francisco Gouveia who struggled to free Clinton from underneath the van.