Fireworks factory boss found guilty over firefighter deaths
December 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under News, News - National
A fireworks factory owner has been found guilty of the manslaughter of two firefighters killed in an explosion.
Geoff Wicker, 49, and Brian Wembridge, 63, were killed in the fire at Marlie Farm, in Shortgate, near Lewes, East Sussex, in December 2006.
Alpha Fireworks boss Martin Winter, 52, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court.
The jury will continue its deliberations on two charges of manslaughter faced by Winter’s son Nathan, 25, on Tuesday.
Company owner Martin Winter, 52, was “grossly negligent” as he knew an unlicensed metal container packed with fireworks could explode if a blaze broke out, the court heard.
As well as killing the two firemen, both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the blast injured 20 others, mainly police and fire officers.
Following a trial at Lewes Crown Court, the company, now called Alpha Fireworks Ltd, was also found guilty of two counts of breaching health and safety legislation.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/8412747.stm
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