The parent company of Pontins holiday parks, Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd, has denied charges of corporate manslaughter after a tragic ceiling collapse at its Brean Sands site in Somerset left one woman dead and multiple guests injured.
In February 2019, Wendy Jones, aged 68, was seriously injured when a section of ventilation ducting and ceiling collapsed in the Fun Factory area of the holiday park. A total of 18 people were hurt, and six were hospitalized. Wendy Jones spent six months in hospital before succumbing to her injuries in August 2019.
At a recent hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd entered a not guilty plea in response to charges of corporate manslaughter and failing to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act. The charges state that between January 1, 2015, and August 5, 2019, the company’s management of its activities led to unlawful risks that caused Wendy Jones’s death.
READ MORE: Uncertain Future for Somerset’s Troubled Regeneration Project
READ MORE: Plans Unveiled to Replace Bath’s Historic Fire Station with Modern Facility
Specifically, the prosecution alleges that the company breached its duty of care by exposing guests to dangerous structural ducting situated above the Fun Factory area and by failing to ensure adequate safety regarding soundproofing materials installed at the site.
Judge Julian Lambert confirmed that the full trial is scheduled to begin on October 12 next year and may last up to six weeks, with a pre-trial hearing to be arranged.
Representing the prosecution was Benn McGuire, while John Cooper KC defended the company.
At the time of the incident, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a collapse involving roughly 40 meters of structural ducting and ceiling materials, which also unveiled live exposed electrical wiring inside the building’s bar area.
The case highlights serious concerns about health and safety enforcement within holiday parks and the responsibilities companies hold to protect their guests.