Bed firm boss charged with manslaughter after baby’s death

The boss of a children’s bed company has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the sudden death of a seven-month-old boy.

Craig Williams was charged after the death of Oscar Abbey on November 3 2016 in York.

Shortly after the baby’s death, Williams’ company Playtime Beds Ltd recalled a number of products – including children’s cots, beds and bunks, The Sun reported.

The company was also forced to issue a safety warning stating that their made to measure beds could leave children at risk of asphyxiation or strangulation, falling, entrapment or crushing.

The charges followed an investigation involving Playtime Beds Ltd based in Sheffield.

Playtime Beds Ltd has sold made-to-measure bunks, including castle and princess-themed beds, since 2011.

The 37-year-old company director has also been charged with fraud by false representation.

His co-director Joseph Bruce has also been charged with fraud by false representation.

Bruce, 30, is also company secretary of bed firm Magical Dream Beds Ltd in Sheffield.

The two men will appear at York Magistrates Court on January 18.

An inquest into the toddler’s death was opened and adjourned last year.