Robert Seabrook QC, leading Christine Henson of Crown Office Row, Brighton represented Brighton and Hove City Council in a 7-day jury trial successfully prosecuting a gym and fitness club over breaches of health and safety regulations relating to unsafe levels of chlorine in a spa facility. Acting for the defendants, Martin Forde QC led Francesca Lewington also of Crown Office Row, Brighton. It was gratifying to see the recognition given to the health and safety expertise in both our London and Brighton Chambers by both the prosecuting authority and the defendants in selecting counsel from this Chambers to represent them in this complex case.
The defendants were convicted of two Health and Safety breaches for failing to conduct their business in a way that did not expose employees and members of the public to serious risks to their health and safety. The case involved consideration of complex expert evidence and highlighted failings in the training and supervision of the facility’s staff. The defendants were fined ｣10,000 on each of the two trial counts and ordered to pay the Council’s costs.
