Legionnaires' outbreak in Cumbria - architect found not guilty of manslaughter
31/07/2006
We just wanted to say thank you. We will never be able to repay you or express how grateful we are to you for all the support and help. There would have been no one in the world that we would have had in preference to you to act for us.
John, Newcastle Upon Tyne
In August 2002 an outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Barrow, Cumbria became one of the UK's worst outbreaks.
Almost 200 people were affected and seven people died as a result of catching the disease.
An Investigation was launched.
Health experts quickly traced the suspected source to an air conditioning system at the Barrow Borough Council-run Forum 28 arts complex.
The air conditioning unit at the complex was shut down because it had been emitting steam into the street.
It meant people in the building were not necessarily at risk, but people passing in an alleyway outside could have been exposed.
Cumbria Police carried out a corporate manslaughter investigation.
Today Gillian Beckingham, the design services manager at Barrow Borough Council who was responsible for the design of the building was found not guilty of manslaughter.
Barrow Borough Council was found not guilty on 7 counts of corporate manslaughter in March 2005.
The council had admitted breaching Health and Safety legislation.
Today it was said that Barrow Borough Council had failed to provide adequate Health & Safety training.
Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' Disease is a rare form of pneumonia.
It is most often contracted by inhaling mist from water sources which are contaminated with Legionella pneumophilia bacteria.
The disease can only be contracted from a contaminated water system - it cannot be passed from person to person
Symptoms are similar to flu symptoms and include headache, muscle pain, high fever and shaking chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. There may also be disorientation, confusion, hallucination and loss of memory.
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