Roofing boss charged with manslaughter

The owner of a roofing firm has been charged with the manslaughter of a worker who died after falling through a skylight.

IC Roofing boss Colin Cooper was charged Wednesday following the death of Darren Hoofe, 20, who died in the fall on 29 November 2005.

Hoofe was carrying out roofing repairs at the Bellbrook Industrial Estate in Uckfield when he fell 6m onto the factory floor below.

He died in hospital from head injuries sustained in the fall.

Hoofe’s death was subject to a long-running investigation by Sussex police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

HSE principal inspector Dave Rothery said: “This is a significant case for the HSE. It brings to the attention of individuals that they may be charged with serious criminal offences if they fail to take adequate precautions under the Health and Safety at Work Act.”

A date for Cooper's trial has not yet been set.

In a separate case earlier this month, another roofing boss of a Bridgend-based firm admitted manslaughter after the death of a 17-year-old who was working for the firm.