Burdon Grange Care Home and Trust charged with corporate manslaughter

Burdon Grange Care Home and the South West Lakes Trust have been charged with corporate manslaughter following a fatal boating incident at Roadford Lake in June 2022. The incident occurred when a ‘Wheelyboat’ carrying a group on a day trip from the Beaworthy-based care home capsized.

The tragedy resulted in the deaths of two wheelchair users, Alex Wood, 43, and Alison ‘Ali’ Tilsley, 63. A third woman in her 50s also sustained serious injuries during the accident.

In addition to corporate manslaughter, the care home faces charges under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act for allegedly failing to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees. The South West Lakes Trust faces charges under Section 3 of the same Act for allegedly failing to ensure that non-employees were not exposed to risks to their health or safety.

The first court hearing is scheduled to take place at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 11. A representative for Burdon Grange Care Home stated that their thoughts remain with the families of the deceased and expressed a commitment to providing safe and high-quality care.