Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker has today responded to an announcement from Sussex Police that the Crown Prosecution Service has advised them to charge Martin and Nathan Winter with the manslaughter of two firemen who died as a result of the explosion and blaze at a firework depot near Ringmer in 2006.
Both men have today been charged with two charges of manslaughter and have been bailed to appear at Lewes Magistrates Court on the 18th of June.
The company, Alpha Fireworks Ltd, has also been summonsed for breaches of the manufacture and storage of Explosive Regulations 2005.
Commenting on the news, Mr Baker said:
"There is normally a very high hurdle to be cleared before criminal charges of this kind are brought and there is therefore no doubt that the Crown Prosecution Service must believe that there is a very strong case, though under British law, people are of course innocent until proven guilty.
"As there are, however, still aspects of the matter that can only be resolved once legal proceedings are complete, such as the need to amend existing fireworks legislation, it would now be helpful if the case could be proceeded with as quickly as possible so that we can learn all the lessons that need to be learnt from this terrible incident and take action accordingly."
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