A fireworks factory owner has been found guilty of the manslaughter of two firemen killed in an explosion on the premises.
Alpha Fireworks owner Martin Winter of Shortgate, near Lewes, East Sussex, was found “grossly negligent”, as he knew an unlicensed metal container packed with fireworks could explode if a blaze broke out.
Winter’s company was also found guilty of two counts of breaching health and safety legislation, according to the BBC.
The two firemen, Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge, died tackling a fire at Alpha Fireworks in December 2006.
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The blaze also injured 20 others, most of them police and fire officers.
The jury is continuing its deliberations on two charges of manslaughter faced by Winter’s 25-year-old son, Nathan.
