Stafford fireworks blaze: Boss in court accused of manslaughter of two victims
A business owner has appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of two men who died in a blaze at a fireworks warehouse in Stafford.
Richard Pearson is accused of causing the deaths of Simon Hillier and Stewart Staples by gross negligence by failing to take reasonable care in the storage and handling of explosives.
Pearson, 43, of Rowley Park, Stafford, was granted unconditional bail by magistrates in Cannock and ordered to reappear at Stafford Crown Court on August 21.
A five-minute hearing was told Pearson was the sole director of SP Fireworks, which operated from a unit in Tilcon Avenue, Stafford.
Mr Hillier, 41, and Mr Staples, 57, both from Hednesford, died after fire engulfed an industrial unit in Baswich, Stafford, in October 2014.
Mr Hillier was working at the site, while it is thought Mr Staples was a customer. Both were from Hednesford.
In statements issued shortly after their deaths, Mr Hillier was described by his family as a fantastic son and brother and a "terrific" father, while relatives of Mr Staples said he was a devoted family man.
