Two companies charged after deaths at Banham Poultry factory

Pest control subcontractors Jonathan Collins, 34, from Watton, and Neil Moon, 49, from Spalding, were found dead in the early hours of October 4, 2018, at the Attleborough chicken factory.

Their deaths were investigated by detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, working alongside the Health and Safety Executive.

Police at Banham Poultry after the men's deaths in October 2018 (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Constabulary has now said that prosecutors have authorised that charges be brought against two companies.

The force said in a statement: “Following extensive enquiries, last week the Special Crime Division from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges of corporate manslaughter and a number of related health and safety offences in respect of two companies.

“Banham Poultry Limited, which went into administration in October 2018, is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

“Air Products PLC is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974."

Both companies are required to attend Norwich Magistrates' Court on July 9.

The ownership of the business has changed twice since the tragedy.

Police at the Banham Poultry factory following the deaths (Image: Archant)The day after the deaths Banham Poultry Limited announced the factory had been bought by Chesterfield Poultry after the former went into administration.

In October 2021, the business was sold to the current owners Boparan Private Office (BPO) owned by 2 Sisters Food Group founder Ranjit Boparan. 

The current management and owners of Banham Poultry are not connected to the incident nor involved in the legal proceedings.

The family of Mr Collins said in an earlier tribute that he was a “devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him”.

Mr Moon's widow, who did not give her name, described him in a previous tribute as “the most amazing husband and father”.

His son described him as “my hero and the best father I could’ve ever asked for”, and his daughter said: “I will miss him so much and cherish all the memories we had together.”