25 June 2009

Corfu deaths trial - latest update

Greek Courts have postponed the trial of two Thomas Cook holiday reps over the deaths of a brother and sister while on holiday in Corfu in 2006.

The trial of Richard Carson, 27, and Nicola Gibson, 25, was due to start today but has been delayed until next February or March after legal applications by the defendants.

Carson, who still works for Thomas Cook as consumer affairs executive, and Gibson, who left at the end of 2006, face charges of manslaughter and negligence.

Christi Shepherd, 7, and her brother Robert, 6, from West Yorkshire died from carbon monoxide poisoning after what is believed to have been a leak from a faulty gas boiler in their apartment at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel.

Ten Greeks, including staff from the hotel, also face trial.

The children's father, Neil Shepherd, and his partner, Ruth Beatson, who survived the tragedy, have flown to Corfu for the trial, as have their mother Sharon Wood and her husband Paul.

Last week Thomas Cook pledged its continuing support for its staff.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe 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,Ã¢â¬~ said a spokesperson for the operator.

By Bev Fearis