This long running case arising out of the mass explosion at Marlie Farm Fireworks Factory, Sussex, in December 2006 has finally concluded with success for the claimants.
Frank Burton QC, leading Andrew Roy and Vanessa Cashman, acted for the widow of a deceased fireman and several injured policemen.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, as well as disputing fault, raised novel arguments that it owed no duty of care and enjoyed immunity from suit.
Irwin J found for the Claimants following a 3 week High Court liability trial in July 2013. The fire service obtained permission to appeal. The Court of Appeal was due to the hear the matter over 3 days in February.
However, the fire service have now agreed to pay the claimants damages and costs and are no longer pursuing their appeal.
Link to judgment:
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2013/2331.html
Links to press coverage:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-2891122/Payout-fireworks-deaths.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-23507392
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1235929/Fireworks-factory-boss-guilty-firemens-deaths.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-14301269
http://www.fire.org.uk/news/2011/07/07/marlie-farm-fireworks-explosion-police-get-awards.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/fireworks-factory-pair-charged-over-deaths-843189.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-14300624
http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/15501902
