October 26, 2022
Valerie Charbit led by James Ageros KC ( Crown Office Chambers) prosecuted Arcadia Group Ltd, Topshop Topman Ltd and Stoneforce Ltd.
Arcadia and Topshop Topman were convicted after a trial lasting 3 months.
The retail businesses were fined a total of £1million for health and safety breaches and are currently in liquidation.
10 year old boy Kaden Reddick was killed at the Reading store of Topshop when a queue barrier fell on him.
The barrier had been fitted in March 2014 during a major store refit by company shopfitters, Stoneforce who pleaded guilty to a health and safety breach before the trial.
Valerie has extensive experience in health and safety cases, both prosecuting and defending. She is often instructed to prosecute by the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities in respect of fatalities and other breaches of health and safety legislation.
In this case she was instructed by Adam Kendall and Samantha Minchin of Bevan Brittan Solicitors acting for Reading Borough Council.
News stories:
BBC News: [BBC News]
Reading Chronicle: [The Reading Chronicle]
Barristers
Valerie Charbit
Call: 1992