Longridge businessman faces manslaughter accusation after death of roofing worker

Michael Devlin, 57, of Pinfold Lane, Longridge, entered not guilty pleas to gross negligence manslaughter and two health and safety offences during an appearance before Preston Crown Court.

The case follows the death of worker Mieczyslaw Sulowski, 59, who fell from the roof of a business premises in Brockholes Brow, Preston in April 2015.

The roof of an unoccupied warehouse premises was under repair by Mr Devlin’s Preston based firm Designed Roof Systems Limited (DRS).

It is thought Mr Sulowski had been conducting repairs when he fell about 10 metres.

At the time ambulance staff said he had suffered a head injury after landing on concrete and was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A trial date has been set for October 11, 2021, with a pre trial review on May 17, 2021.

The proceedings follow a joint investigation between Lancashire Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive.

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