THE parent company of Pontins Brean Sands has been charged with corporate manslaughter after a ducting collapse in 2019, killing a 68-year-old woman.

After the incident, in February that year, Wendy Jones died in August after the ducting fell at the holiday park.

Now, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges be brought following an investigation into the incident conducted by Avon & Somerset Police with Somerset Council.

A referral was made to the CPS last year at the conclusion of the investigation to consider a charging decision.

Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd – Pontins’ parent company – has been charged with corporate manslaughter.

And Stephen Bennison, 58, and from Farington in Lancashire, has been charged with failure to discharge general health/safety duty to person other than an employee under Section 3 of the Health and Safety Work Act 1974.

They are set to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 6.

Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey, senior investigating officer, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of Wendy Jones. We have updated them of the CPS’ charging decisions.

“This has been a complex investigation and we’re grateful for the support of Somerset Council and other partners to reach this stage.

“We would like to remind the public that every defendant in the UK is permitted to a fair trial. No commentary, materials or details should be published that could prejudice this court process while proceedings are ongoing.”