Two firms in court accused of corporate manslaughter of Norfolk pest controllers

Representatives of two companies have appeared in court accused of the corporate manslaughter of two pest controllers who were found dead at a chicken factory.

The bodies of Neil Moon, 49, and Jonathan Collins, 34, were discovered at Banham Poultry in Attleborough, Norfolk, in 2018.

Norfolk Police said at the time that a possible refrigeration gas leak was being investigated as a line of inquiry.

Legal representatives for the two companies, Banham Poultry Ltd and Air Products Plc, appeared at a brief hearing at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The court was told that a charge of corporate manslaughter is indictable only, meaning that it is a serious criminal offence which must be tried in a crown court.

No pleas were asked for at the magistrates’ court, and the case was sent for a hearing at Norwich Crown Court on 6 August.

No details about the case were opened.

Mr Moon and Mr Collins, who were found at about 1.10am on 4 October 2018, had been working at the Station Road site as pest control subcontractors.

Mr Collins from Watton, Norfolk, was described as a "devoted family man" and Mr Moon, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, as "an amazing husband and father".

Their deaths were investigated by detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk major investigation team, working alongside the Health and Safety Executive.

Norfolk Police said last month that prosecutors had authorised charges to be brought against two companies.

The force said Banham Poultry, which went into administration in October 2018, was being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Air Products was being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, police said.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know