Understand
Defence lawyers argue no signs of impending disaster before fatal Jersey gas explosion
Overview
Jurors at the trial regarding the December 2022 fatal gas explosion in St Helier, Jersey, which killed 10 people, have been told that nothing about the gas network suggested an imminent catastrophe. Three gas workers—Neil Armstrong, John Wright, and Lee Ward—are on trial denying counts of gross negligence manslaughter, while Island Energy denies health and safety breaches. Defence lawyers delivered their closing remarks at Jersey Royal Court, asking the jury for not-guilty verdicts.
Key points
- Ten people died following the gas explosion near Haut du Mont flats in St Helier on 10 December 2022.
- Gas workers Neil Armstrong, John Wright, and Lee Ward deny 10 counts of gross negligence manslaughter.
- Island Energy has pleaded not guilty to health and safety breaches.
- Defence lawyers for the accused gas workers delivered their closing arguments at Jersey Royal Court.
- Legal representatives argued there was no evidence that enough gas was escaping to cause a fatal explosion or that an imminent catastrophe was suggested by the network.