A DECISION on whether to bring manslaughter charges following the unlawful killing of a young labourer at a Hyndburn factory has not yet been made.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is considering whether to prosecute representatives of two East Lancashire companies after the death of 17-year-old factory worker Steven Donald.

Steven, of Clayton-le-Moors, died from multiple organ failure and crush injuries after he became trapped in a conveyor belt at E W Cartons Ltd, Rishton, in August 1998. The machine was supplied by Waste Equipment Ltd of Bamber Bridge. An inquest jury last October decided that either involuntary manslaughter or gross negligence had taken place, and returned a verdict of unlawful killing.

Last week the CPS said it hoped to make a decision on possible manslaughter or negligence charges within a week, but a spokesman today said the evidence was still being considered.

If the CPS does not bring charges, either company could be charged with criminal offences by the Health and Safety Executive or Hyndburn Council.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.