Pub landlord admits killing boy

A landlord has admitted killing a seven-year-old boy who suffered a fatal electric shock when he was playing in a pub garden.

Harvey Tyrrell collapsed at the King Harold in Romford, Essex, on September 11, 2018 and died an hour later in hospital

David Bearman, 72, admitted gross negligence manslaughter after failing to fit the pub with safe lighting and a further charge of stealing electricity worth £22,995.23.

Bearded and grey-haired Bearman appeared at the Old Bailey via Skype during the brief hearing.

A second pensioner, Colin Naylor, 73, denies gross negligence manslaughter and is set to stand trial on 27 April.

Judge Anthony Leonard QC bailed Bearman ahead of sentencing on a date to be fixed and said: ‘The pleas you’ve entered today will be taken into account by the judge in sentence and in your favour.

‘It will be a matter for that judge as to what discount you will get.

‘Your sentence cannot be dealt with at present because of the position of your co-defendant but you will be sentenced as soon as it is proper.’

The charge reads: ‘David Bearman and Colin Naylor on 11 September 2018, unlawfully killed Harvey Tyrell by gross negligence.’

Charlotte Newell, prosecuting, earlier claimed the pair failed to ‘prevent the danger of serious injury or death from electrocution.’

She said they had a duty ‘to limit the risk of danger of serious injury or death from electrocution, including electrical lighting was provided, installed and maintained without electrical defects and to protect persons from the danger of serious injury or death from electrocution.’

‘That breach of duty amounted to gross negligence and that negligence was a substantial cause of the death of Harvey Tyrell.’

Bearman, of Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch admitted gross negligence manslaughter and abstracting electricity to the value of £22,995.23.

He will return for sentence on a date yet to be fixed.
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