Company’s gross negligence leads to Corporate Manslaughter conviction

Andrew Thomas QC led the prosecution of manufacturing company Pyranha Mouldings Limited following the death of a production supervisor.

Alan Catterall, 54, was cleaning an industrial oven following a breakdown at the Company’s factory. Another employee turned the power back on, unaware that he was still inside. Due to the defective design of the control system, the oven doors automatically closed and locked, trapping Mr Catterall inside. There was no means of escape or of raising the alarm. The oven was turned onto full heat to carry on with production, resulting in Mr Catterall’s death from severe burns.

The Company were accused of causing death by gross negligence, having designed and built the oven themselves. It was alleged that they had ignored mandatory standards of safe machinery design.

Following a five week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, the Company was convicted of Corporate Manslaughter and related safety offences. The Company’s technical director was also convicted of offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Andrew led John Harrison of St Pauls Chambers in Leeds @SP_Chambers, instructed by CPS Specialist Casework Division. @cpsuk. The case arose from a joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and Cheshire Police.

For more information on the story please visit the BBC news coverage and The Guardian