Lewes firework factory bosses "did not flout safety rules" (From The Argus)

Lewes firework factory bosses "did not flout safety rules"

3:00pm Tuesday 8th December 2009 in

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The owner of a fireworks factory where two firemen died in an explosion did not flout safety rules, a jury has been told.

The fatal blast happened after a blaze broke out at the factory at Marlie Farm, Shortgate, near Lewes, on 3 December 2006.

Support officer Brian Wembridge, 63, who was making a video of the scene, and retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, were both killed and 20 other people injured.

The two men died when the fire spread to a metal container, packed with ten tonne of fireworks, which exploded.

Martin Winter, 52, managing director of the factory, and his son, Nathan, 25, both of Marlie Farm, deny the manslaughter of Mr Wembridge and Mr Wicker.

Alpha Fireworks, formerly known as Festival Fireworks, denies two offences of breaching health and safety regulations.

During a trial at Lewes Crown Court, now in its fifth week, the prosecution has alleged the shipping container which exploded was illegally packed with fireworks. It is alleged the container was not authorised by the company's licence to store fireworks.

Mukul Chawla QC, defending Martin Winter, said in his closing speech there was clear evidence the firefighters were warned of the dangerous of the contents of the container.

He said: "The prosecution case consists of creating the impression Martin Winter is a person who regularly flouts the rules of regulations or has a complete disregard for safety.

"He is depicted as someone who is trying to interfere or obstruct the firemen and trying to create a smokescreen.

"We suggest that is wrong."

The trial continues.