Double manslaughter charge for structural engineer
A structural engineer who is alleged to have authorised the digging of a trench under a wall that subsequently collapsed and killed two workers is to be charged with gross-negligence manslaughter. The Crown Prosecution Service announced that Barry Potts is to be charged in relation to the deaths of Matthew Skeet, 19, and Kevin Ruffles, 57, on a building site in Suffolk on 21 October 2010.
Senior Crown Advocate Gaon Hart said: “The CPS carefully reviewed all of the evidence gathered by Suffolk Police during their investigation into the tragic deaths. It is alleged that Mr Potts gave Matthew Skeet and Kevin Ruffles permission to dig a trench under part of the wall at the Old Maltings, in Worlingworth, Suffolk, which weakened the foundations and led the wall to collapse.” In addition to the two counts of gross-negligence manslaughter Potts is facing a charge under section 7 of the HSWA 1974 for failing to ensure the health and safety of others affected by his acts, or omissions.
