Death of labourer David Willis remains mystery as investigation gathers pace
The family of a labourer who is believed to have died in an industrial accident may never know how he met his death, an inquest has heard.
Labourer David Willis, aged 29, was reported missing by his mother when he failed to return to his home in St Marks Road, Tipton, after work on September 15.
Following a review of CCTV footage and inquiries at Timmins Waste, in Wolverhampton, where he worked, police launched a two-month search of the Poplars landfill tip in Cannock but found nothing.
Detective Inspector Jim Colclough revealed that gross negligence manslaughter and/or corporate manslaughter charges were now being considered against the company.
The Health and Safety Executive is also conducting its own inquiries.
Det Insp Colclough said it was believed Mr Willis had “entered machinery” at Timmins, and that material from the machine had been removed to the Poplars tip the next day. No traces of his body had been found, but items were still being tested for his DNA.
The inquest was adjourned for the outcome of the police inquiry.
