A MAN has today been charged with the manslaughter of Lee Balkwell who was found dead trapped under the drum of a cement mixer 11 years ago.
Simon Bromley, 44, Mr Balkwell's boss at the time, is also charged with breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Mr Balkwell, 33, was found dead wedged under the drum and chasis of the vehicle at around 1am on July 18 2002 at Baldwin's Farm, Dennises Lane, South Ockendon.
The offences are alleged to have occurred while Mr Balkwell and Bromley were drilling drying cement out of the mixer at Baldwin’s Farm.
He is charged with unlawfully killing Lee Balkwell on July 18 2002
The second charge is that he failed to ensure Mr Balkwell's health and safety between July 16 and July 19 2002, while he worked with the Hymix concrete mixer.
Bromley is due to appear before Basildon Magistrates Court on January 27.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article