Stately home admits failings after butler of nine years crushed in lift
A charity which runs one of Britain's most iconic stately homes faces a hefty fine after a butler was crushed to death in a luggage lift.
Earlier the trust that helps maintains the world-famous Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, admitted health and safety failings.
Arthur Mellar, 47, died in hospital hours after his head was crushed in a lift on July 12, 2014, at the Elizabethan country estate.
He had worked at the 16th century Burghley House for nine years.
Earlier the Burghley House Preservation Trust pleaded guilty to one count of failing to ensure the welfare of their employee.
Burghley House featured in the TV series Middlemarch, 2006, film The Da Vinci Code and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
The Trust admitted failing to discharge a duty under Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, contrary to Section 33 (1) of the Health and Safety Act 1974.
It is responsible for the preservation and showing of Burghley House.
Following the short ten minute hearing at Peterborough Crown Court this afternoon, the Trust released a statement.
The Trust, which was defended by Ms Sarah Le Fevre, will be sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on February 27.