Masonry company found guilty of corporate manslaughter

Oxford Crown Court heard on the 22nd May that David Evans, a 23-year-old stone mason’s mate employed by Cavendish Masonry Limited, was killed when a two tonne limestone block fell off a concrete lintel and crushed him while he was working at a large wall at the Well Barn Estate in Moulsford, Wallingford.

 

Cavendish was found guilty of a gross breach of its duty of care in its management and organisation of its activities at The Well Barn estate, by failing to take reasonable care in the planning and execution of the work.

Following the verdict, HSE Inspector Peter Snelgrove, who supported the police-led investigation, said: "David Evans’ tragic death was completely avoidable had Cavendish Masonry Limited properly planned and managed the installation of the heavy limestone.

 

The company will be sentenced later this year.