ITV News exclusive: Manager convicted over children's gas deaths in Corfu working at new Thomas Cook hotel

A hotel manager whose negligence led to the deaths of two children at a Thomas Cook resort has been running a new hotel used by the tour operator, ITV News has discovered.

Bobby and Christi Shepherd, aged six and seven, died when the toxic gas leaked from a faulty boiler at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel on the Greek island in 2006.

In 2010, its former general manager George Chrysikopoulos was found guilty of negligent manslaughter by a Greek court and sentenced to seven years in prison.

He was then freed pending appeal but in 2011 his sentence was reduced to three years and suspended - meaning he did not spend the time in prison.

Original court papers seen by ITV News show this was because he showed remorse.

Nine years on - and despite his conviction - Chrysikopoulos has been working as general manager of the Mitsis Laguna Hotel, which is also used by Thomas Cook, since April 2015.

Watch video of the moment ITV News' Consumer Editor Chris Choi confronted George Chrysikopoulos

When asked if he is fit to run a hotel after what happened in 2006, Chrysikopoulos refused to answer, saying "I’m not obliged".

He also declined to answer any of the questions posed to him.

Previously in 2010, Mr Chrysikopoulos made the following statement in his defence: "I should like to say how sorry I am about this particular incident. It has been a heavy burden to carry".

Last week, an inquest ruled that Thomas Cook had "breached their duty of care" over the children's deaths and the company has faced criticism for its handling of the tragedy.

Thomas Cook said it was unaware that Chrysikopoulos was employed by a hotel it was using. He has now been sacked at the company's insistence.

Remarkably, Christos Louvros - an electrician that was also convicted over the tragedy - is still employed at the same Corfu hotel at which it took place. Thomas Cook has also called for his dismissal.

Chief executive Peter Fankhauser has since apologised for the firm's failings since the disaster took place, saying he was "deeply sorry".

Speaking to ITV News Business Editor Joel Hills, he said the investigation had left him feeling "sick" and vowed to take further action to improve health and safety standards.

He also spoke of a meeting with the victims' parents today, and appeared visibly moved as he said: "It was time to take the decision to talk with the family. It was very intense."

Read: Thomas Cook boss: I'm deeply sorry about Corfu deaths - we could have done better