Sowerby fight goes on
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by Karen Miles • Relatives of victims killed in the Sowerby Bridge disaster are to take their fight for corporate manslaughter charges against Fewston Transport to the Court of Appeal.
The decision to continue the legal battle follows disappointment last week when two High Court judges dismissed the families' bid to force the Crown Prosecution Service to review the case for corporate manslaughter against Fewston and its directors.
Tony Stokoe, the families' solicitor, says: "We think there are grounds for appeal on the basis of an error in law and that the reasoning behind the judges' decision should have led to a ruling on the CPS reviewing its decision." Although Fewston has ceased trading, its directors would still be liable if charges are eventually brought.
Six people, including Fewston driver Derek Waterworth, died at Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire when the lorry's brakes failed. The company was later fined £5,000 for using a vehicle with defective brakes.
The appeal hearing is not expected until the summer but even if the relatives are successful, the CPS will only be compelled to review its decision. It will not be forced to bring corporate manslaughter charges.