Convictions follow fireworks blaze

Festival Fireworks owner Martin Winter and his 25 year old son Nathan have been convicted of the manslaughter of firemen Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge in a blaze at their premises in December 2006.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to Marlie Farm on the afternoon of December 3 when an igniter sparked a fire as Nathan Winter prepared equipment for a display.

A decision was made to evacuate, but a number of officers, including Wembridge and Wicker, were in the vicinity when a container being used to store fireworks exploded, further engulfing the site.

Martin Winter was sentenced to seven years in prison, and Nathan five, at Lewes Crown Court. They were found to be 'grossly negligent' through knowing the metal container unlicensed for storage could explode if a fire broke out.

Their firm, now known as Alpha Fireworks, was convicted of two counts of health and safety breaches in connection with the blast which injured 20 others. It was fined £30,000.

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