Not guilty verdict in Fisherman's Friends trial

The boss of a company which supplied a two-tonne stage door that fell and killed the singer of a shanty band and its promoter has been found not guilty of manslaughter.

David Naylor, 57, director of Express Hi-Fold Doors Limited, was cleared of two charges of manslaughter by gross negligence at Guildford Crown Court.

Trevor Grills (fourth from right) was part of the Fisherman's Friends - Paul McMullen was their manager Credit: Suzan/Suzan/EMPICS Entertainment

Fisherman's Friends singer Trevor Grills and the band's promoter Paul McMullen died after a steel door, designed and manufactured by the firm collapsed while they were unloading music equipment from their van.

The accident happened at the G Live theatre in Guildford Credit: ITV News

54-year-old Mr Grills was a vocalist with the sea shanty group from Port Isaac in Cornwall. He died in hospital days after being struck by the door at the G Live theatre in Guildford on February 9 2013, hours before he was due to perform.

Band promoter Paul McMullen was also killed when he was crushed by a stage door in February 2013 Credit: Family

Mr McMullen, who was 44, died at the scene after being crushed under the bi-fold door and suffering leg injuries.

Express Hi-Fold Doors Limited was found guilty of a breach of health and safety laws and will be sentenced on Friday morning.