Two luxury property firms have been fined a total of £1.3m following health and safety breaches that led to the death of a coach driver in London. The incident occurred when a window pane fell 26 storeys from the Corniche, a luxury development in Vauxhall, crushing 53-year-old Mick Ferris.
Details of the Fatal Incident
On 2 October 2018, Mick Ferris, a driver for Clarkes of London, was returning to his coach when a 130kg window pane, measuring approximately 85cm wide and 190cm tall, fell from a height of around 90 metres (300ft). The window struck Ferris, causing fatal injuries. The development, located on Albert Embankment alongside the Thames, features panoramic views over the Houses of Parliament and luxury flats listed at £3m.
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Legal Consequences and Fines
At a sentencing hearing at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, property developer St James Group Ltd was fined £1m, while specialist facade contractor Lindner Prater was fined £300,000. Both firms were also ordered to pay costs of £125,000 each. In August, the companies were found guilty of ignoring "foreseeable risks" and convicted of "failing to discharge a duty" under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The court heard that a window panel had previously fallen from the same development in August 2017, but the design had not been significantly changed. This prior incident highlighted a pattern of negligence that ultimately led to the fatal accident.
Impact on the Victim's Family
Ferris's widow, Rachel, said his death "could have happened to anybody" and "could have been prevented." She expressed that the tragedy has left a lasting impact on their family. The case underscores the importance of stringent health and safety measures in construction and property development.
Comparison of Fines and Costs
| Company | Fine | Costs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| St James Group Ltd | £1,000,000 | £125,000 | £1,125,000 |
| Lindner Prater | £300,000 | £125,000 | £425,000 |
| Total | £1,300,000 | £250,000 | £1,550,000 |
Key Takeaways
- Two luxury property firms were fined a total of £1.3m after a fatal window fall.
- The incident occurred at the Corniche in Vauxhall, London, in October 2018.
- Both companies were convicted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- A previous window fall in 2017 had not led to significant design changes.
- The victim's family emphasizes that the death could have been prevented.
FAQ
What happened at the Corniche in London?
A window pane fell from the 26th storey of the Corniche development in Vauxhall, London, killing coach driver Mick Ferris in October 2018.
Which companies were fined and how much?
St James Group Ltd was fined £1m and Lindner Prater was fined £300,000. Both were also ordered to pay £125,000 each in costs.
What were the health and safety breaches?
The firms were found guilty of ignoring foreseeable risks and failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
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