Five arrested over Lee Balkwell death rebailed (From Echo)

Five arrested over Lee Balkwell death rebailed

12:44pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Jon Austin

FIVE people arrested in connection with the death of Lee Balkwell, who was found dead under a cement mixer more than ten years ago, have had their bail extended.

Mr Balkwell, 33, was found dead trapped under the chassis and drum of the vehicle at Baldwin’s Farm, off Dennises Lane, South Ockendon, where he worked at 1am on July 18 2002.

No one was ever arrested until last year despite a 2008 inquest finding he died as the result of gross negligence manslaughter.

In November Lee’s former employer Simon Bromley, 43, from Baldwin’s Farm was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, perverting the course of justice and perjury.

Others arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and perjury were Mr Bromley’s father, David Bromley, 66, his mother Linda Bromley, 63, of Baldwin’s Farm, a woman, 49, from South Ockendon, and a man, 38, from Southend.

The alleged perjury offences are believed to concern evidence given at the inquest.

The five have been bailed to return to an undisclosed police station in April.