Storm Doris: Legal action taken over Tahnie Martin death
The company which was in charge of managing buildings for Wolverhampton's Mander Centre is to face prosecution charges following the tragic death of Tahnie Martin during Storm Doris.
Wolverhampton Council confirmed it would be taking legal action against the then building management company of the Mander Centre after the incident almost two years ago.
A summons has been served on the firm to appear at court in April.
Tahnie Martin was killed by falling debris as she walked past Starbucks in Wolverhampton city centre during Storm Doris in February 2017.
The 29-year-old from Stafford, who worked in the University of Wolverhampton's art department was struck by the large piece of wooden roofing which fell from the Mander Centre roof in Dudley Street.
A council statement said: "Following the tragic death of Tahnie Martin almost two years ago during Storm Doris, we can today confirm that we will be prosecuting the then building management company of the Mander Centre under health and safety legislation.
"Wolverhampton Council can confirm that we are proceeding with legal action against the then building management company of the Mander Centre - Cushman and Wakefield Debenham Tie Leung Limited - with an offence contrary to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974).
"The particulars being that on and before 23 February 2017, the defendant, being an employer, failed to conduct its undertaking in such a way to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that persons not in its employment who might be affected thereby, including Tahnie Martin, were not thereby exposed to risks to their health and safety arising in connection with the maintenance of the exterior of the Blackrock Building, including the structures upon it contrary to Section 3(1) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
"A summons has been served on the company to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court at 2pm on 4 April 2019."
