A trial is set to take place next year over the death of Michaela Boor, a 29-year-old mother who was crushed by falling bricks after dropping her children off at school in east London. The fatal incident occurred on 27 March 2018, when a pallet carrying more than two tonnes of bricks fell from a crane at a building site on Burdett Road, Bethnal Green. The case, involving construction site manslaughter charges, will be heard at the Old Bailey.
Higgins Homes Plc faces accusations in relation to her death, alongside four men: Thomas Anstis, 68, of Banstead, Surrey; Stephen Coulson, 69, of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire; Dawood Mann, 60, of Ashford, Kent; and Alexander McInnes, 33, of Islington, north London. All defendants have denied gross negligence manslaughter.
According to the prosecution, Higgins Homes acted as the property developer, with Mr Anstis serving as site manager, Mr Coulson responsible for the lifting plan, Mr Mann as crane supervisor, and Mr McInnes operating the crane. A representative for Higgins Homes entered not guilty pleas to charges of corporate manslaughter and failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety Act 1974.
The defendants also pleaded not guilty to additional health and safety offences. They have been granted continued bail before the construction site manslaughter trial resumes at the Old Bailey next October.
