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Abstract

A construction firm has been convicted of corporate manslaughter over the deaths of a Finsbury Park police officer and his partner, who fell 20ft into a basement when hoardings at a building site gave way.

Gavin Brewer, 32, and Stuart Meads, 34, tumbled through boards that were supposed to secure the half-finished building in Euston. They were on their way home from a night out in October 2013.

Monavon Construction pleaded guilty to two counts of corporate manslaughter at the Old Bailey on Monday and one count of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The Bounds Green-based firm is expected to be handed a hefty fine when it returns to court later this month.

Mr Brewer, a constable with British Transport Police based in Finsbury Park, and Mr Meads, a TV engineer working for studios in Kentish Town, were described as devoted “soulmates”. They had spent the night at the now-closed Black Cap bar in Camden Town.

CCTV footage of their final movements provided key evidence in the investigation into the deaths and was shown in court during the trial.

One of Mr Meads’ closest friends, Stephen Baker, said in October 2013 that the footage had been described to him by a female police officer.

“She said it looked like the faintest touch, then the hoardings collapsed,” he said. “They weren’t pushing it. It could have happened to anyone at any time.”

The random nature of the deaths was a deep blow to many who knew the men. Flowers were left at the scene in Netley Street, including a bouquet from pupils and staff at nearby Netley School and PC Brewer’s colleagues at Finsbury Park division of the British Transport Police.

Mr Meads had enjoyed success with his synth-pop band Trademark, releasing several albums and supporting The Human League on tour.

Mr Meads’ father Stephen said at the time: “Stuart was so loved. He was so talented in many ways.

“He was the best son you could wish for.”

Monavon Construction will be sentenced on May 26.