Retrial for gas worker over fatal explosion

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Lee Ward denied 10 counts of gross negligence manslaughter at Jersey Royal Court

A retrial has been ordered for a man accused of gross negligence manslaughter after a fatal gas explosion.

Ten people died following an explosion at Haut du Mont flats in Jersey in the early hours of 10 December 2022. Lee Ward denied 10 counts of the charge and jurors were previously unable to reach a verdict and were discharged.

Gas workers Neil Armstrong and John Wright were found guilty of the same charges and Island Energy was found guilty of health and safety breaches.

They will be sentenced over four days between 26 and 29 January. Jersey's Attorney General ordered the retrial for Ward at Jersey's Royal Court on Friday.

Crown Advocate Simon Thomas told the court he anticipated the retrial could last about two weeks, but "it was difficult to say with any certainty".

The States Employment Board (SEB) had already pleaded guilty to two charges under the island's health and safety at work law.

The board, which employs the island's public servants, faced charges concerning the actions of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and its emergency control room on 9 December 2022 - the day before the explosion.

It will also be sentenced over the same dates in January.

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