Jurors unable to reach verdict for final gas worker
BBC
Jurors deliberating in the case of a gas worker on trial for gross negligence manslaughter after a fatal explosion have been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.
Ten people died following an explosion at Haut du Mont flats in Jersey in the early hours of 10 December 2022.
Lee Ward denied 10 counts of gross negligence manslaughter at Jersey Royal Court.Neil Armstrong and John Wright were found guilty on Wednesday and Island Energy was found guilty for health and safety breaches.
Commissioner Andrew Oldland previously told jurors he would accept a majority verdict for Ward, the last remaining defendant. The 12 jurors were discharged from returning verdicts for Ward on Thursday.
Oldland thanked the jury for their “careful attention and service”.
“From this point on you are discharged as jurors,” he said.
Ward has been remanded on bail, and the prosecution has 14 days to decide if it wants a retrial.
Armstrong and Wright will be remanded in custody pending their sentencing hearing on a date to be fixed.
Robert Hall/BBC
The judge told the prosecution to consider “very carefully” whether there needs to be a retrial in this case.
The court heard jurors had deliberated for more than 28 hours.
Jersey Police and Jersey’s Health and Safety Inspectorate said the four-year investigation was one of the “largest and most complex”.
Armstrong and Wright were found guilty of 10 counts of gross negligence manslaughter on Wednesday.
The courtheard the Island Energy workers were excavating gas pipeson the road below the buildings that serviced the area of La Collette, including the flats, on Friday 9 December – the day before the explosion.
During works, a pipe was incorrectly cut, which stopped the gas supply to other properties in La Collette.
The court heard gas was reintroduced into the system, but without a pressure test being carried out to check for any leaks.
At 03:53 GMT on 10 December 2022, an explosion occurred in flat 28 that caused Block H to collapse. It was ignited by an unknown spark or flame, the court heard.
A second explosion happened shortly after 04:00 in Block F.
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