26/02/2010 - First manslaughter case adjourned
The trial of a Gloucestershire firm accused of causing the death of a geologist has been adjourned because its director is unwell.
Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings is the first British firm to be prosecuted under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, designed to make it easier to bring cases against companies.
Geologist Alex Wright, 27, from Cheltenham, was collecting soil samples near Stroud when a trench collapsed on him in September 2008. He was doing exploratory work on the site of a planned housing development in Brimscombe.
Company director Peter Eaton, 60, from Stroud, is also charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
The trial was due to begin at Bristol Crown Court on Friday but when both sides agreed that Eaton was unwell the judge agreed to put the case back.
Mr Justice Field told the jury: "What has happened in this case is that I have acceded to the application of the defence to adjourn this trial for a longish period because the defendant Mr Eaton requires urgent and intensive medical treatment. It would be unfair to require him to participate in this trial at the same time as undergoing this treatment."
He said the decision was accepted by all parties.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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