HATFIELD CHARGES STATEMENT

Monday 14 Jul 2003

HATFIELD CHARGES STATEMENT

Region & Route:: National

Iain Brown, Company Solicitor said: “I can confirm that Nicholas Pollard, Alistair Cook, Sean Fugill and Keith Lea have today appeared before magistrates having been charged by the Crown with manslaughter and offences under health and safety legislation. Chris Leah also appeared having been charged with an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act, Section 37. As a consequence of its acquisition of Railtrack Plc, Network Rail also appeared having been charged with corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences. The matter has now been referred to the Crown Court. Both the company and the individuals fully intend to defend themselves against these charges. Network Rail will continue to provide full support to our employees and their families during this difficult time. The Hatfield crash was a tragic accident that affected a great many lives. Unfortunately, we cannot turn back the clock. Despite the painful and difficult experiences of recent years the industry must move on and Network Rail’s task is to maintain the network in order to deliver a safe, reliable and efficient railway.”

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