A MAJOR utility company has been charged with an alleged health and safety offence following the death of an 11-year-old boy in Burnley last year.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the tragedy of Robbie Williamson, who died after falling off a bridge over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, has led to a charge being filed against National Grid.

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The Shuttleworth College student was playing with friends on Dugdale Bridge, in Lowerhouse Lane, when he slipped from a pipe bridge and hit his head on the bank before falling into the water.

Robbie was pulled from the water by nearby resident Peter Graham, who had been alerted to the incident, the youngster died later in hospital It is alleged that on or before April 22, 2014, National Grid, being an employer under the Health and Safety Act at Work failed to discharge a duty imposed by the legislation, in relation to ‘the conveyance of natural gas’.

This covers undertaking its business without failing to ensure ‘as was reasonably practicable’ to ensure the health and safety of others, in particular Robbie Mark Williamson, by exposing them to risk of injury by falls from the pipe bridge.

The offence, as charged, also includes Joshua Owens and Andre Randalls, who are believed to have been playing with Robbie shortly before his death.

Defence solicitors representing the London-based utility requested an adjournment at a brief hearing before Burnley magistrates and the case has been re-listed for September 11.

If convicted of the offence National Grid could face a fine of up to £20,000 if the case is dealt with by magistrates, or an unlimited fine, if committed to a crown court. The charge also carries a notional maximum prison sentence of two years but this is rarely, if ever, imposed in corporate cases.