Emergency services at
the scene of the fatal collision near junction 25 of the M5 in November
2011. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
The organiser of a fireworks display that was taking place next
to the site of a motorway pile up that claimed seven lives has been
charged with the manslaughter of the victims.
Geoffrey Counsell, 50, from Somerset, will appear before magistrates in Bristol next month accused of seven counts of manslaughter.
On Friday 4 November last year, seven people died and 51 people were injured on the M5 near Taunton in Somerset following a collision between 34 vehicles.
A statement released on Friday night by Avon and Somerset police and the Crown Prosecution Service revealed that Taunton Rugby Club, which hosted the display, would not be prosecuted. Nor would any of the motorists involved.
But the statement said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Avon and Somerset police to charge Geoffrey Counsell with seven counts of manslaughter following the deaths of Anthony and Pamela Adams, Maggie and Michae
l Barton, Malcolm Beacham, Terry Brice and Kye Thomas in a collision on the M5 in November 2011.
"Since the collision we have worked closely together to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the collision and to carefully consider all the evidence. This has been a complex process which has also involved working with Taunton Deane Borough council and seeking the views of expert witnesses.
"Having considered the evidence … the CPS decided there was sufficient evidence to charge Geoffrey Counsell, the provider of the fireworks display at Taunton Rugby Club on the night of the collision, with manslaughter.
"It was clear from the investigation carried out by Avon and Somerset police that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute for driver error and therefore no action will be taken against any motorists.
"The CPS also considered the culpability of Taunton Rugby Club and reached the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction."
Counsell is due to appear on 12 November.
Geoffrey Counsell, 50, from Somerset, will appear before magistrates in Bristol next month accused of seven counts of manslaughter.
On Friday 4 November last year, seven people died and 51 people were injured on the M5 near Taunton in Somerset following a collision between 34 vehicles.
A statement released on Friday night by Avon and Somerset police and the Crown Prosecution Service revealed that Taunton Rugby Club, which hosted the display, would not be prosecuted. Nor would any of the motorists involved.
But the statement said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Avon and Somerset police to charge Geoffrey Counsell with seven counts of manslaughter following the deaths of Anthony and Pamela Adams, Maggie and Michae
l Barton, Malcolm Beacham, Terry Brice and Kye Thomas in a collision on the M5 in November 2011.
"Since the collision we have worked closely together to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the collision and to carefully consider all the evidence. This has been a complex process which has also involved working with Taunton Deane Borough council and seeking the views of expert witnesses.
"Having considered the evidence … the CPS decided there was sufficient evidence to charge Geoffrey Counsell, the provider of the fireworks display at Taunton Rugby Club on the night of the collision, with manslaughter.
"It was clear from the investigation carried out by Avon and Somerset police that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute for driver error and therefore no action will be taken against any motorists.
"The CPS also considered the culpability of Taunton Rugby Club and reached the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction."
Counsell is due to appear on 12 November.
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