THE Jersey-registered parent company of Pontins has been charged with corporate manslaughter following the death of a woman who was injured when part of the ceiling collapsed at one of its holiday parks.
Eighteen people were hurt at Pontins Brean Sands in Somerset in February 2019 when a section of ducting fell from the ceiling in the resort’s entertainment centre.
Among those seriously injured was 68-year-old Wendy Jones, who was taken to hospital after the collapse and died there six months later.
While Pontins used to operate a resort in Jersey, it has not done so for many decades, but the company behind it is registered in the Island.
Following a joint investigation by Avon and Somerset Police and Somerset Council, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service announced this week that Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd – the company behind Pontins – will face a corporate manslaughter charge.
The company is due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 6 May.
In addition to the corporate manslaughter charge, Stephen Bennison, a 58-year-old man from Lancashire, has also been charged with failing to meet health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey 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.”
