Manslaughter denial after 30-foot Eastbourne Pier fall for Maryport man
Stephen Penrice, of Maryport, was working on Eastbourne Pier after it had been gutted by a fire. The 44-year-old fell through the Victorian structure and died after landing on the pebble beach 30ft below. It is alleged that the company he worked for, MPM North West Ltd, failed to act in its duty of care towards him. Site foreman Paul Dixon, 53, and project director Michael Hawkins, 37, have gone on trial accused of manslaughter by gross negligence. At Brighton Crown Court a jury was this week sworn in to hear evidence in the case before High Court judge Sir Michael Soole.