3PB Michael Vere-Hodge QC successfully prosecutes charity Science of the Soul in health and safety fatality

7th June 2018

Michael Vere-Hodge QC, instructed by Central Bedfordshire Council, successfully prosecuted registered charity and spiritual organisation Science of the Soul.

In April 2014, a volunteer was using a scaffolding platform to inspect lighting at the organisation’s main UK site at Haynes Park. The volunteer tragically fell from the scaffolding sustaining fatal injury. Subsequent investigation revealed that the scaffolding tower was fundamentally unsafe and that the nominated supervisor was an elderly gentleman with poor eyesight who was not trained in health and safety.

The subsequent investigation was hindered by the organisation’s subsequent disposal of the scaffolding tower. The resulting fine was £364,000 with costs of £117,643.