LAWYERS from Weightmans took part in a mock trial last week.
The day-long trial was held at the Liverpool Crowne Plaza in front of delegates from the food and drink industry.
A fictional director and his company found themselves faced with a number of charges, including corporate manslaughter, after the death of an employee working in his factory.
The charges, expert witnesses and circumstances were all based on a real case and the facts were only altered as little as possible to protect the identities of the people originally involved.
Weightmans’ partner Chris Green said: “I think the event gave the delegates a real insight into what actually happens in court. Hopefully none of them or their companies will ever be in the same situation.�
Defending was partner and head of Weightmans’ regulatory services unit, David Lewis.
He said: “The event was already oversubscribed weeks ago and it has indeed been one of our most successful to date. We conducted the hearing in real court conditions and it seemed to really capture the imagination of both the audience and our participating actors alike.�
The 12-strong jury which was selected on the day from attending delegates ultimately found the defendent – a role taken by John Nevitt of Tulip UK – not guilty of manslaughter but fined his company Thorpe Meat Foods Ltd £125,000 for failing to ensure the health & safety of its employees.
The event was hosted in association with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and heath & safety expert Croner. Weightmans is already looking at running a second event in the near future.