HSE may pursue criminal prosecution after jury finds that Kieron Deeney was killed unlawfully when he fell through a hatch

Laing O鈥橰ourke may face a criminal prosecution by the HSE after an inquest jury returned an 鈥渦nlawful killing鈥 verdict on the death of a steel worker.

Steel fixer Kieron Deeney died on site in 2004 when a hatch cover gave way, causing him to fall 40 feet to his death. The court was told the access point was only covered by a piece of plywood, fixed with two nails.

The verdict, given at Poplar Coroner鈥檚 Court, means that the HSE will now decide whether to bring a criminal prosecution against Laing O鈥橰ourke under the Health and Safety Act 1974.

Kieron鈥檚 widow Jennifer said: 鈥淭he coroner鈥檚 inquest into the death of my husband has been a very painful event. How many other families will need to suffer before sufficient action is taken to prevent these accidents from happening?鈥