Pontins owner charged with corporate manslaughter following ceiling collapse at resort
The owner of Pontins holiday parks has been charged with corporate manslaughter after an air conditioning duct fell on guests, including a 68-year-old grandmother who died six months later, at a resort in Somerset.
Eighteen people were injured at Pontins Brean Sands when a section of the ceiling and ducting inside its entertainment centre called The Fun Factory collapsed in February 2019. Around 100 people were in the hall about to play bingo at the time.
An investigation, conducted by Avon and Somerset Police and Somerset Council, followed the death of Wendy Jones. Ms Jones spent the final six months of her life in hospital before she died on 4 August 2019.
Pontins’ parent company Britannia Jinky Jersey will appear in court next month. Pontins is part of the Britannia Hotels group.
Meanwhile, contractor Stephen Bennison, 58, from Farington in Lancashire, has been charged with an offence under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
A referral was made to the CPS last year at the conclusion of the investigation to consider a charging decision.
Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey, senior investigating officer, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of Wendy Jones. We have updated them of the CPS’ charging decisions.
“This has been a complex investigation and we’re grateful for the support of Somerset Council and other partners to reach this stage.
“We would like to remind the public that every defendant in the UK is permitted to a fair trial. No commentary, materials or details should be published that could prejudice this court process while proceedings are ongoing.”
The defendants will first appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 6 May.
