19 June 2009

Corfu deaths trial due to start next week

The trial is due to start next week in connection with the carbon monoxide poisoning of two children on a Thomas Cook holiday in Corfu in October 2006.

Thomas Cook has pledged its continuing support for its consumer affairs executive, Richard Carson, and overseas rep Nicola Gibson, who face trial in Greece starting on June 25.

Carson is still working for Thomas Cook but Gibson left at the end of 2006.

"We are confident that our colleagues acted properly and should not be blamed in anyway. We continue to give them our full support and believe they will be vindicated by the court," said a spokesperson for the operator.

Christianne Shepherd, 7, and her brother Robert, 6, died in a holiday apartment at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel after what is believed to have been a leak from a faulty gas boiler.

"What happened in Corfu was a tragedy and the thoughts of the entire Thomas Cook organisation will always be with the family and friends of Christianne and Robert Shepherd, and they have our every sympathy," continued the spokesperson.

"This tragic accident happened because of a unique and unforeseeable set of circumstances for which neither Thomas Cook nor its employees are responsible

"So far as we are aware no holidaymaker with any UK tour operator has ever lost their life from carbon monoxide poisoning from an individual external gas water heater."

It is believed the trial could be adjourned at the request of some defendants.

By Bev Fearis