Atomic Weapons Establishment in court over safety breaches

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is prosecuting AWE following the fire at its Aldermaston site on August 3 2010, which, as the NewburyToday reported on at the time, broke out in an area of the site that contained explosives.
A worker was left with burns to his face and arm.
AWE has been charged with three alleged breaches of safety law.
The charges are: failure to ensure the health and safety and welfare of employees; failure to take appropriate measures to limit the extent of the fire, and failure to ensure that suitable personal protective equipment was provided to risk-exposed employees.
The charges were read to Maxwell Scott-James, defending AWE, at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court today. However, Mr Scott-James gave no indication of a plea to any of the charges.
Both Mr Scott-James and Bernard Thorogood, prosecuting on behalf of HSE, said the case should be heard at crown court.
District Judge Lynne Matthews said: “I’ve considered the magistrate court sentencing guidelines. It is clear to me that this matter should be allocated for trial at crown court.”
The next hearing in the case is scheduled to be at Reading Crown Court on March 11, 2013.
Following today’s hearing, AWE released this statement: “As we have stated before, AWE deeply regrets the occurrence of the fire at our Aldermaston site in August 2010.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our staff, neighbours and the local community remains AWE’s highest priority.
“As the legal process is still ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”