This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-21024902

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Manslaughter charges dropped in M5 crash case Manslaughter charges dropped in M5 crash case
(35 minutes later)
Manslaughter charges have been dropped against the organiser of a fireworks display held on the night of a crash on the M5 in Somerset in which seven people died. Manslaughter charges have been dropped against the organiser of a fireworks display held on the night of a crash on the M5 in which seven people died.
Geoffrey Counsell, aged 50, from Somerset, will instead face one charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act for failing to ensure the safety of others, Bristol Crown Court heard. Geoffrey Counsell, 50 and from Somerset, was arrested after the crash, which involved 34 vehicles and left 51 people injured, in November 2011.
That case will be heard at a later date. Mr Counsell will now face one charge, under health and safety laws, of failing to ensure the safety of others.
The crash happened in November 2011. That case will be heard at a later date, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Mr Counsell had been organising a fireworks display at Taunton Rugby Club next to the motorway when the crash happened. The fireworks display organised by Mr Counsell was taking place at Taunton Rugby Club, which is next to the motorway, when the crash happened.
Lorry drivers Terry Brice, from Patchway, South Gloucestershire, and Kye Thomas, from Gunnislake, Cornwall, died in the crash.
Father and daughter Michael and Maggie Barton, from Windsor, Berkshire; grandparents Anthony and Pamela Adams, from Newport, south Wales; and battle re-enactor Malcolm Beacham, from Woolavington, near Bridgwater, also died.
Mr Counsell was originally charged with the seven counts of manslaughter, on 19 October last year.