Peter Smith has submission of no case to answer upheld

R (Suffolk Coastal District Council) v. Spedworth International (East Anglia) Ltd; Ipswich 2017

Peter Smith had a submission of no case upheld at the close of the prosecution case, to a charge alleging a breach of section 3 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, concerning 5 emergency exit gates at the Foxhall Stadium in Ipswich.

It was alleged that although the large gates were not locked, they were fastened in such a way that made them difficult to open in an emergency and therefore a Steward was required to be in close proximity so as to open them should it be necessary. The company had previously pleaded guilty to 4 other charges relating to the maintenance and egress of two tiered stands as well as a failure to comply with Improvement Notices; all of which have been rectified. Sentencing took place on those charges following the prosecution’s case on the outstanding charge being dismissed.