The family of a woman who was among the 10 victims of the explosion on Pier Road has said they are pleased to be within reach of all their questions “being answered” after charges were brought against three former Island Energy workers.
Neil Armstrong, Lee Ward and John Wright have each been charged with 10 counts of gross negligence manslaughter – relating to the 10 people who died as a result of the blast which collapsed flats at Haut de Mont.
The three men are due to appear in court for the first time next month.
After nine people were killed in the direct aftermath of the blast, Kathleen ‘Kathy’ McGinness (73) became the tenth and final fatality when she died in hospital two weeks later.
Kathy’s three children Karlene, Stephen and Paul contacted Express with a statement giving their reaction to this week’s news.
The family said: “It’s been a very long process up until this point, but we recognise it’s been a complex investigation.
“We’re now just pleased that charges have finally been made and that things are progressing towards all the questions we have being answered.”
“What we’ve been through and continue to go through is horrific,” they said.
In addition to her three children, Kathy had six grandchildren, now aged between three and 12. A few days after her death, she was described by her family as the “perfect” mum and grandmother, with boundless positivity and energy, and a great sense of fun. Her children also paid tribute to a proud Scot, a committed Christian, a dedicated and organised employee, a reliable friend, and a generous host.
The other Haut du Mont residents who died were Peter Bowler (72), Raymond Brown (71), Romeu and Louise De Almeida (67 and 64 years), Derek and Sylvia Ellis (61 and 73 years), Ken and Jane Ralph (72 and 71 years) and 63-year-old Billy Marsden.
The charges followed what Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey, who led the States police investigation, described as “the largest and most complex in the States of Jersey Police’s 70-year history”.
Mr Armstrong (56), Mr Ward (57) and Mr Wright (59) are due to appear at Jersey Magistrate’s Court on Friday 14 March.
