Police had been called to a chicken factory in Norfolk and discovered two subcontractors dead with ‘frozen hands and faces’
Two companies have now pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches after two workers were found frozen to death at a chicken factory.
Jonathan Collins, 34, and Neil Moon, 49, visited the Banham Poultry Ltd factory as subcontractors from a pest control company. Police were called to the site at around 1am, on October 4, 2018, and discovered the two men dead at the Attleborough-based chicken factory in Norfolk. Two companies – Banham Poultry Ltd and Air Products PLC – have pleaded guilty to health and safety offences after they were charged following the subcontractor’ deaths.
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A coroner’s court review in 2024 heard the pair were found with “frozen hands and faces” and there was “evidence of frost on the floor” – a full inquest is yet to be held.
The two companies were due to go on trial at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, February 25, having each been charged with two counts of corporate manslaughter. Banham Poultry Limited was also to stand trial for two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Air Products PLC, based in Chertsey, was facing one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Guilty pleas were entered on behalf of Banham Poultry in respect of two Health and Safety at Work offences and by Air Products PLC in relation to one breach.
The offences related to failing to ensure so far as reasonably practicable a duty of care to workers. But both companies each denied two counts of corporate manslaughter.
Craig Hassall KC, prosecuting, said those pleas were acceptable to the crown and offered no evidence in respect of the manslaughter charges, stating not guilty verdicts should be entered. The court heard both companies entered guilty pleas to the health and safety offences on the basis of “significant cause of actual harm”.
The Honourable Mrs Justice Farbey adjourned sentencing in the case for a two-day hearing set to take place before the crown court on March 31 and April 1.
The family of Mr Collins said in an earlier tribute that he was a “devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him”. Mr Moon’s widow, who did not give her name, said: “Neil was the most amazing husband and father. There are no words to describe the loss I feel.
“Life will never be the same again. Tonight there will be a brighter star in the sky.” His son said: “I will miss listening to his stories, my life will never be the same without him. He was my hero and the best father I could’ve ever asked for.”
Mr Moon’s daughter said: “I will miss him so much and cherish all the memories we had together.” The ownership of Banham Poultry has changed twice since the tragedy.
The day after the deaths Banham Poultry Limited announced the factory had been bought by Chesterfield Poultry after the former went into administration. In October 2021, the business was sold to the current owners Boparan Private Office (BPO) owned by 2 Sisters Food Group founder Ranjit Boparan.
The current management and owners of Banham Poultry are not connected to the incident nor involved in the legal proceedings.
