Pontins Faces Corporate Manslaughter Charges Following Air Conditioning Incident During Bingo Event
In a tragic turn of events, Pontins holiday park at Brean Sands in Somerset is facing serious charges after an air conditioning duct collapsed on guests during a bingo event. The incident, which occurred in February 2019, led to the death of 68-year-old Wendy Jones in August of the same year. In addition to Wendy’s tragic passing, eighteen other individuals were injured during the incident that took place in the resort’s entertainment centre, The Fun Factory.
After a thorough investigation conducted by Avon and Somerset Police in collaboration with Somerset Council, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has given the green light to press charges in connection with the incident. The gravity of the situation at Pontins Brean Sands Holiday Park has led to the identification of responsible parties and subsequent legal action.
Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd, the parent company of Pontins, is facing a charge of corporate manslaughter, highlighting the severity of the incident and its consequences. Furthermore, Stephen Bennison, aged 58 from Farington in Lancashire, has been charged with failing to discharge general health and safety duties under Section 3 of the Health and Safety Work Act 1974.
The defendants are set to make their first court appearance at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 6, to address the charges brought against them. The tragic incident, which unfolded during a bingo event, has raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols and maintenance standards at the popular holiday park.
Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey, the senior investigating officer, expressed condolences to Wendy Jones’ family and emphasised the complexity of the investigation that led to these pivotal charges being brought forward. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, local authorities, and other partners have been crucial in reaching this point, ready to seek justice and accountability for the unfortunate events that unfolded at Pontins.
Pontins Brean Sands has been a favoured destination for families from South Wales, located just over an hour away in Burnham on Sea, Somerset. The charges of corporate manslaughter and failure to uphold safety duties serve as stark reminders of the importance of maintaining high standards of safety in all public spaces, especially those frequented by families and children.
As legal proceedings progress, it is essential for all involved to uphold the integrity of the judicial process by refraining from speculative or prejudicial statements that could impact the fair trial rights of the defendants. The authorities have urged caution in discussing details of the case that could potentially influence the legal outcome of the charges brought against Pontins and individuals involved in the incident.
The tragic incident at Pontins serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such catastrophic events from occurring in the future. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served, offering closure and accountability for the victims and their families affected by the air conditioning collapse during the bingo event at the holiday park in Somerset.