Father and son guilty of firefighters' manslaughter

A firework factory owner and his son have been found guilty of the manslaughter of East Sussex firefighters Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker.

The pair, from Crowborough and Heathfield respectively, were killed in a massive explosion at Martin Winter's Festival Fireworks factory at Marlie Farm, near Lewes, in December 2006.

Winter, 52, was "grossly negligent" as he knew an unlicensed metal container packed with fireworks could explode if a blaze broke out.

His son Nathan, 25, who told Lewes Crown Court he started the blaze when he dropped an igniter on the floor, was found guilty of manslaughter by a majority verdict of 10-2 at lunchtime today.

The company, now called Alpha Fireworks Ltd, was also found guilty of two counts of breaching health and safety legislation.

The two firemen were both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, described as well-loved and dedicated by colleagues.

Around 20 other people were injured in the blast, mostly fire and police officers.

The Winters are due to be sentenced this afternoon.

For full special report see this week's Sussex edition of the Kent and Sussex Courier.