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Apple farm manager convicted of manslaughter over 'scuba diving' deaths Apple farm manager convicted of manslaughter over 'scuba diving' deaths
(7 months later)
A farm manager has been convicted of the manslaughter of two workers who he encouraged to go into a storage tank while holding their breath.A farm manager has been convicted of the manslaughter of two workers who he encouraged to go into a storage tank while holding their breath.
Andrew Stocker will be sentenced on 1 July for encouraging the practice dubbed "scuba diving", which involved the men entering the nitrogen-filled apple container where the oxygen level was 1 per cent, through a small hatch in the roof.Andrew Stocker will be sentenced on 1 July for encouraging the practice dubbed "scuba diving", which involved the men entering the nitrogen-filled apple container where the oxygen level was 1 per cent, through a small hatch in the roof.
Scott Cain, 23, and Ashley Clarke, 24, suffocated in the container while Mr Stocker was on holiday in the Maldives, having left instructions.Scott Cain, 23, and Ashley Clarke, 24, suffocated in the container while Mr Stocker was on holiday in the Maldives, having left instructions.
The farm assistants were found lying on crates of apples by colleagues and paramedics who attempted to revive them unsuccessfully, and both were declared dead at the scene.The farm assistants were found lying on crates of apples by colleagues and paramedics who attempted to revive them unsuccessfully, and both were declared dead at the scene.
Stocker, 57, of The Links, Whitehill, Bordon, Hampshire , who was the manager of the fruit farm at Conservative peer Lord Selborne's Hampshire estate, had denied manslaughter but admitted exposing the men to a risk of death.Stocker, 57, of The Links, Whitehill, Bordon, Hampshire , who was the manager of the fruit farm at Conservative peer Lord Selborne's Hampshire estate, had denied manslaughter but admitted exposing the men to a risk of death.
Meet the Cornish fishermen, vegetable-growers and butchers Meet the Cornish fishermen, vegetable-growers and butchers 8 show all Meet the Cornish fishermen, vegetable-growers and butchers 1/8 From farm to fork Sean O'Neil, the lauded 'Modern Salad Grower' of Keveral Farm Abbie Trayler-Smith 2/8 From farm to fork The 'Modern Salad Grower' Sean O’Neil (left) with Cornwall Project founder Matt Chatfield at Keveral Farm Abbie Trayler-Smith 3/8 From farm to fork O'Neil discusses his produce with chef Zijun Meng Abbie Trayler-Smith 4/8 From farm to fork Padstow fisherman Johnny Murt on his boat Abbie Trayler-Smith 5/8 From farm to fork Padstow fisherman Johnny Murt on his boat with Chatfield, inspecting his crab haul Abbie Trayler-Smith 6/8 From farm to fork Padstow fisherman Johnny Murt sizes up a crab Abbie Trayler-Smith 7/8 From farm to fork Ian Warren of Launceston's family-run butcher Philip Warren Abbie Trayler-Smith 8/8 From farm to fork Calum Franklin and Zijun Meng in discussion with Warren Abbie Trayler-Smith
Mark Dennis QC, prosecutor, said anyone entering the unit would "die immediately" once they ran out of air.Mark Dennis QC, prosecutor, said anyone entering the unit would "die immediately" once they ran out of air.
The apples, stored for preservation in nitrogen gas, were to be entered in the Marden Fruit Show in Kent, and Mr Dennis said they were not retrieved as per accepted practice in the – using  a net to hook out the fruit.The apples, stored for preservation in nitrogen gas, were to be entered in the Marden Fruit Show in Kent, and Mr Dennis said they were not retrieved as per accepted practice in the – using  a net to hook out the fruit.
Mr Dennis said: "Andrew Stocker was a keen participant in this competition and took pride in his entries.Mr Dennis said: "Andrew Stocker was a keen participant in this competition and took pride in his entries.
"Financial prizes were very modest; however, it was the kudos of winning that was more important."Financial prizes were very modest; however, it was the kudos of winning that was more important.
"The defendant knew that the only way the best samples could be gathered is for someone to enter from the top hatch and make a selection of fruit.""The defendant knew that the only way the best samples could be gathered is for someone to enter from the top hatch and make a selection of fruit."
Mr Cain was engaged and had a young child, having worked at Blackmoor estate since 2009 as a pack house assistant. Mr Clarke, also engaged, had been working as an assistant checking the quality of fruit for eight months.Mr Cain was engaged and had a young child, having worked at Blackmoor estate since 2009 as a pack house assistant. Mr Clarke, also engaged, had been working as an assistant checking the quality of fruit for eight months.
Ian and Sharon Clarke, Mr Clarke’s parents, described the trial as "emotionally draining."Ian and Sharon Clarke, Mr Clarke’s parents, described the trial as "emotionally draining."
A statement from the parents said "collecting apples from confined atmosphere units with virtually no oxygen" was not a "safe and acceptable practice."A statement from the parents said "collecting apples from confined atmosphere units with virtually no oxygen" was not a "safe and acceptable practice."
"Whilst we recognise he is not a bad man and did not mean to harm Ashley, his negligent actions led to his death."Whilst we recognise he is not a bad man and did not mean to harm Ashley, his negligent actions led to his death.
"We as a family... will be serving a life sentence as we try to come to terms with the loss of a son and brother who we shall never see again.""We as a family... will be serving a life sentence as we try to come to terms with the loss of a son and brother who we shall never see again."