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Coroner rules two children on holiday “unlawfully killed” by CO poisoning (19 May 2015)

Date: 19/05/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Coroner rules two children on holiday “unlawfully killed” by CO poisoning

A lawyer representing a family who lost two children as a result of carbon monoxide (CO) from a faulty boiler has said that tour operator Thomas Cook should “hang its head in shame”.

The two children died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in a holiday bungalow on Corfu because of the faulty boiler, which had not been inspected by the tour operator’s holiday representatives.

The Guardian reports that Bobby and Christi Shepherd, aged six and seven, died at the Louis Corcyra Beach hotel on the island in October 2006.

They were found dead in the holiday bungalow by a maid.

The children’s father Neil Shepherd from Horbury in Wakefield and his partner Ruth Beatson – whom he has since married – were found unconscious.

Jurors at Wakefield coroner’s court were told by West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchliff that it had been agreed the only conclusion they could come to was unlawful killing.

The coroner said he would make a series of recommendations to the travel industry at a later date.

It is reported that several former Thomas Cook employees went into the witness box but exercised their legal right not to answer questions.

The children’s mother, Sharon Wood, said after the inquest verdict:

“I will always hold Thomas Cook responsible for their deaths.”

The family’s lawyer, Leslie Thomas QC, said:

“Thomas Cook should hang its head in shame as a result of these deaths.

“The families of Christi and Bobby have waited nearly nine years for an apology – they are still waiting.”

The boiler which caused the children’s deaths was rusting and a flue had not been fitted. There was also a water leak, causing the boiler to overheat.

A vital safety device had also been short-circuited – and holes had been left in walls between the outbuilding where the boiler was housed and the bedroom where the children were sleeping, when the bungalow’s air-conditioning pipes had been installed.

The coroner called this final error a “bodged and botched” job.

Thomas Cook chief executive Peter Fankhauser said:

“I feel so thoroughly – from the deepest of my heart – sorry; but there’s no need to apologise because there was no wrongdoing by Thomas Cook.”

He added that the appropriate checks on the boiler were not carried out because the hotel had lied to Thomas Cook and said there were no gas-fuelled water heaters at the hotel complex.

Mr Fankhauser said the company’s representatives had undertaken safety checks based on this “misinformation”.

A Greek court convicted three people linked to the hotel of manslaughter relating to the deaths of the children – but two Thomas Cook representatives were cleared of all charges in 2010.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Carbon Monoxide Claims

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of personal injury claims solicitors able to advise those made ill as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by negligence on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Personal injury clams usually have to be made within three years of injury – and claims involving children can be made up to the age of 21.

In cases where a loved one has lost their life as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by negligence, Duncan Lewis can help bereaved families make a Fatal Injuries Claim for compensation.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims, contact Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

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