Regulatory Services
Client: Professional advisor to
demolition contractors.
Issue / Claim: The collapse
of a building during demolition resulted in the tragic death of one
of the demolition gang. The HSE initiated proceedings against nine
defendants, including several individuals, one of whom was our
client.
Weightmans’ Investigation and
Action: Guilty pleas were entered by six of the
defendants, and charges were eventually withdrawn against two of
the others. Our client was the remaining defendant and, certain of
his innocence, was shocked to discover that he had been identified
as a suspect rather than a witness.
He was subjected to a formal interview under
caution and under PACE conditions, and made to prepare for an
extensive 6-week trial. Despite the absence of any moral
culpability, he was placed under tremendous pressure, having to
endure several stressful days in court.
Result: In cases like these,
we firmly believe that advising on the law is only half the job,
and that it is equally important to support the client, empathise
with his plight and fight every step of the way to secure his
release.
We successful petitioned for charges to be
withdrawn. Despite his ordeal, we were able to prevent our client
from suffering any further distress, allowing him to return to his
professional duties completely exonerated.