Firework firm bosses charged with manslaughter

They were charged this morning (Monday) in connection with the deaths of Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge, who died in an explosion at Festival Fireworks, Marlie Farm, near Ringmer, on December 3 2006.

Martin Winter, 50, and Nathan Winter, 23, were charged with two counts of manslaughter. They have been bailed to appear at Lewes Magistrates Court on June 18.

A police statement read: 'The company, now known as Alpha Fireworks Ltd, has been summonsed for breaches of the manufacture and storage of Explosive Regulations 2005.

'The Crown Prosecutuion Service, in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive, advised Sussex Police during the investigation into the circumstances that led to the explosions and blaze at the firework depot and the deaths of two fire crew members.'