Boss pleads not guilty to manslaughter

The owner of a roofing company charged with manslaughter after a worker fell 20 feet to his death through a skylight has pleaded not guilty.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jul 2008, 19:13 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:37 BST

Colin Cooper, owner and director of IC Roofing, based in the Hackhurst Lane Industrial Estate, Lower Dicker, pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duty.

The company is also charged with the same two counts for the death of Darren Hoofe. All four charges have been denied.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Hoofe, 20, from Newhaven, had been carrying out roofing repairs at the Bellbrook Industrial Estate in Uckfield in November 2005 when he fell through a skylight on to the factory floor below.

He was taken to hospital with head injuries sustained in the fall but died the following day.

Sussex Police and the Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the circumstances of Mr Hoofe's death, which culminated in Mr Cooper being charged with manslaughter and offences under the Heath and Safety at Work Act.

Mr Cooper's trial and that of his company will begin on January 5 2009 at Lewes Crown Court.

Related topics:NewhavenUckfield