A PENSIONER collapsed and died while he was being taken to a cash machine by a bailiff to pay a £60 speeding fine.

The furious family of 78-year-old Andy Miller, of India Street, Accrington, are determined his death will not be in vain and Justice Secretary Jack Straw has ordered an inquiry.

Mr Miller, the retired landlord of the Cabin End pub in Knuzden, suffered a heart attack as he was walking from the bailiff’s car to the cashpoint in Accrington town centre.

He had been released from hospital a fortnight earlier after a two-month stay following a previous heart attack in October.

While he was in hospital he suffered a stroke and was in a coma for 10 days.

His family had contacted Blackpool magistrates to explain why Mr Miller had not paid a £60 fine for a speeding offence on the M55.

But the magistrates sent a bailiff to collect the fee and added £290 in court costs.

The bailiff called at his house and persuaded him to get into his car and go to Accrington town centre.

Father-of-five Mr Miller collapsed on his way to the cash machine while the bailiff parked and waited for the money.

Son Mick, 44, said he was hopeful the inquiry would give him and his family some answers.

He said: "Obviously we are all very upset at everything that has happened and we are eager to see the outcome of the inquiry. We want to see something done for my dad."

Mick, of Lower Darwen, who was contacted by his father about the bailiff’s visit, said: "I know he was very nervous when the bailiff arrived."

He added: "We made countless phone calls and sent numerous letters to the court to tell them about dad’s stay in hospital.

"The bailiff called at his house and said he had to make a payment, otherwise they would bring a delivery van and locksmith.

"He said they would get into the property and take goods and there was nothing he could do about it.

"My father then agreed to be driven to get some cash. I believe he was put under duress.’’

Mr Miller’s nephew Step-hen Flanigan said: "This sort of thing happens all too often. The Human Rights Act says courts have a duty of care. That duty of care was violated and the humiliation my uncle went through is appal-ling."

Stephen, 61, of Blackpool, continued: "I want justice for my uncle. If these people think they can intimidate me, they have just met the one person on earth they should leave alone."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope was contacted by Mr Miller’s family about the incident and immediately alerted Mr Straw.

Mr Pope said: "Like a lot of people in Hyndburn, I was shocked when I heard what happened to Mr Miller. It’s a tragedy and my thoughts are with the family during this time. I am concerned over how Mr Miller was treated and that is why I raised this issue with the Justice Minister."

A spokesman for Her Majesty’s Court Service said: "We offer our condolences to Mr Miller’s family. At the request of his local MP we will conduct an investigation into the circumstances around this and will report back to the family and MP."

Mr Miller is due to be cremated today (Friday) at Pleas-ington at 2pm.

Following a service, family and friends will be gathering at the Cabin End to celebrate his life.