Joe Harker
Two companies are being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter as a result of two men appearing to have frozen to death at a chicken factory in 2018.
Neil Moon and Jonathan Collins died on 3 November, 2018 while providing pest control services at Banham Poultry's chicken factory in Attleborough, near Norfolk, UK.
The 49-year-old and 34-year-old men's bodies were found at 1:10am the following day, and at the time police said a possible refrigeration gas leak may be the cause for their demise.
A subsequent investigation into their deaths has resulted in prosecutors bringing charges against two companies as a result.
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Representatives of Banham Poultry Ltd and Air Products PLC are scheduled to appear in court on 9 July.
As per Sky News, Neil Moon's widow said he was 'the most amazing husband and father', while his son said he was 'my hero and the best father I could've ever asked for'. His daughter said she would 'cherish all the memories we had together'.
The family of Jonathan Collins said he was a 'devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him'.
Air Products PLC told Sky in a statement: "We remain deeply saddened by the deaths of Mr Moon and Mr Collins at the site of our customer, Banham Poultry.
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"Since the tragic incident, we have worked closely with the police and health and safety authorities throughout their investigation.
"Unfortunately we are not able to provide further comment at this time given legal proceedings."
Norfolk Police said in a statement: "Two companies are being prosecuted following the deaths of two men at a chicken factory in Attleborough in 2018.
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"Neil Moon and Jonathan Collins were working on the Station Road site on 3 October 2018 as pest control subcontractors when they lost their lives.
"The deaths were investigated by detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, working alongside the Health and Safety Executive.
"Following extensive enquiries, last week the Special Crime Division from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges of corporate manslaughter and a number of related health and safety offences in respect of two companies.
"Banham Poultry Limited, which went into administration in October 2018, is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
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"Air Products PLC is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
"Both companies are required to attend Norwich Magistrates Court on Tuesday 9 July 2024."
LADbible has contacted Banham Poultry and Air Products for further comment.