Sky News

In November 2007, a fire broke out at a warehouse in Atherstone on Stour, Warwickshire, leading to the deaths of four firefighters. Station manager Timothy Woodward and watch managers Adrian Ashley and Paul Simmons are charged with manslaughter by gross negligence. The prosecution argues that the defendants failed to assess the blaze properly and sent firefighters into a dangerous situation unnecessarily. The incident had a significant impact on the fire service and community, leading to the construction of a memorial. The case is being heard at Stafford Crown Court and is expected to last 10 weeks.

What did the prosecution allege regarding the actions of the defendants?

What was the duration expected for the case being heard at Stafford Crown Court?