Companies in court over deaths at chicken factory

Jonathan Collins (left) and Neil Moon were working as pest-control subcontractors at Banham Poultry

Two companies have appeared in court charged with corporate manslaughter following the deaths of two pest controllers at a chicken factory.

Neil Moon, 49, and Jonathan Collins, 34, were working for Banham Poultry at its site on Station Road in Attleborough, Norfolk, as subcontractors in October 2018.

Banham Poultry Ltd, which went into administration that month, and Air Products PLC each face two counts of corporate manslaughter, and they also face associated health and safety charges.

The case has been deferred to Norwich Crown Court, with the next hearing due on 6 August.

The companies were investigated by police and the Health and Safety Executive.

At the time, Norfolk Police said a possible refrigeration gas leak was a line of inquiry.

Legal representatives for the two companies appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The court was told that corporate manslaughter is indictable only and must be tried in a crown court.

Banham Poultry is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Air Products is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and a single count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.