No inquest for firefighters who died in warehouse blaze
Firefighters Ashley Stephens, Darren Yates-Badley, John Averis and Ian Reid all died in November 2007 tackling a fire at a vegetable packing plant in Atherstone-on-Stour.
Three senior firefighters were charged with manslaughter by gross negligence but were all acquitted at trial.
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Hide AdAt the Warwickshire Justice Centre in Leamington on Friday, Coroner Sean McGovern addressed the family members of the firefighters.
Mr McGovern said: “On November 20 2007 I opened the inquests into the death of four firefighters who died fighting a blaze in Atherstone-on-Stour on November 2 2007.”
Mr McGovern said that when criminal charges were brought against the three senior firefighters and Warwickshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, he suspended the four inquests - required by law.
Mr McGovern said he was satisfied that he didn’t need to resume the four inquests because all the evidence had already been heard at the trial.
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Hide AdHe added: “I offer my condolences. I’m aware of the devastation that this has caused then and now and will continue to cause.
“My decision is not a reflection on those four brave men.”
Speaking after the hearing Ian Reid’s widow, Julie, said the decision was ‘extremely disappointing’.
For the full story see Friday’s Courier.