Manchester firm to be charged with corporate manslaughter

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that it has advised Greater Manchester Police to charge Lion Steel Ltd with corporate manslaughter.

Three of the company directors – Kevin Palliser, Richard Williams and Graham Coupe – will also be charged with gross negligence manslaughter. The charges come following the death of Steven Berry, who fell through a fragile roof panel in 2008 and died as a result of injuries sustained in the fall.  

The three men are also charged under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety at work of their employees. Lion Steel is also charged under Section 2 and 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety at work of its employees.

Alison Storey, reviewing lawyer in the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:

“I have taken this decision after very carefully reviewing the material gathered in the police investigation and have concluded that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to bring these charges.”

The first hearing will take place at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 2 August 2011.