25/03/2015
Following the trial of Pyranha Mouldings Ltd (Click here for details) at Liverpool Crown Court, the trial Judge passed sentence today whilst sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice. Company director Peter Mackereth was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for two years and fined £25,000 and Pyranha Mouldings Ltd. were fined £200,000. Pyranha Mouldings Ltd. and Peter Mackereth were also asked to pay costs of £90,000 between them.
Details of the charges:
Pyranha Mouldings Ltd. guilty of:
Corporate Manslaughter, contrary to section 1 of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
Failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees pursuant to section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Failing to ensure the safety of an article designed, manufactured and supplied for use at work pursuant to section 6(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Peter Mackereth (Director of Pyranha Mouldings Ltd.) guilty of:
Being an officer of a body corporate which committed an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 committed with the consent, connivance or being attributable to the neglect of the office holder, contrary to section 33(1)(a) and s37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as amended
Mark Auty, senior specialist prosecutor with the CPS said:
“Mr Catterall’s death was caused by the serious failings of his employer, Pyranha Mouldings Ltd. This wasn’t just a tragic situation; it was a tragedy waiting to happen. Mr Catterall’s death is all the more upsetting because it was avoidable.
“By choosing to take on the design and installation of the machine, Pyranha Mouldings assumed responsibility for its safety. However, the machine clearly endangered the safety of those working with it, including Mr Catterall.
“By their verdict, the jury have decided that Pyranha Mouldings Ltd is responsible for the death of Alan Catterall. This is a sad and distressing case, and our thoughts are with the family of Alan Catterall.”
Having helped businesses under investigation for corporate manslaughter, our specialist Health & Safety specialists understand the impact such an investigation can have on a business and its people. For more information on our Emergency Response Services we provide please contact us by telephone on 0207 993 6960 or email Charlotte Waters.
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