Factory owner convicted over deathsThe owner of a firework factory where two firemen were killed in an explosion has been convicted of their manslaughter.
Martin Winter, 52, of Festival Fireworks UK, was found to be "grossly negligent" over a metal container filled with fireworks. Investigators said he would have known the barrel could have exploded if a blaze had broken out.
The tragedy unfolded at the family-run business on Marlie Farm, Shortgate near Lewes, in East Sussex, on December 3, 2006. Firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and support officer Brian Wembridg, 63, were both killed in the massive explosion.
A total of 20 other emergency service personnel were injured in the incident as well as the two firemen, who were long-serving members of the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
The company, now called Alpha Fireworks, was also found guilty at Lewes Crown Court of breaching health and safety legislation.
The fate of Winter's son, 25-year-old Nathan, will now be decided by the jury.
The fatal sequence of events followed preparations by Nathan Winter at Marlie Farm for a fireworks show in Eastbourne later that day.
Fireworks exploded and spread to other areas of the site after igniters flared up, Nathan Winter said.
Father and son were both released on conditional bail.
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