Thomas Cook faces new investigation into Corfu deaths
Thomas Cook faces a fresh investigation into the deaths of Bobby and Christi Shepherd on one of its holidays in Corfu nine years ago.
The Crown Prosecution Service has launched a review of the case after a UK inquest last month returned a verdict of unlawful killing and the coroner stated that the operator had breached its duty of care to the children, aged 6 and 7.
The pair, from West Yorkshire, died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas boiler while sleeping in a bungalow at the Louis Corcyra Hotel on the Greek island, where they were staying during a half-term holiday with their dad Neil and his partner.
An investigation in Greece in 2010 cleared two Thomas Cook reps of any wrongdoing, but three hotel staff were sentenced to seven years in prison, although the sentences were suspended on appeal.
The children’s deaths were investigated by West Yorkshire police, but no charges were brought. However, a Crown Prosecutor Richard Hebbert has written to Bobby and Christi’s mother Sharon Wood stating that he will review the case.
"I have followed proceedings in the coroner’s court and I am aware that the jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing. In these circumstances and in line with relevant case law and CPS practice, it is my intention to review the case," he wrote.
"The reason for this is in order to consider carefully the reasons for my [earlier] decision in the light of the findings of the coroner’s court."
Thomas Cook said it was expecting the investigation. In a statement this morning it said: "Thomas Cook fully supports the review by the CPS, which was entirely expected once the coroner directed the jury in the inquest to return a finding of unlawful killing in order to be consistent with the Greek convictions of manslaughter of the hotel employees in 2010. We will continue to co-operate with the CPS as we have done at all times since 2006."
Thomas Cook received £3.5 million compensation from the hotel following the children’s deaths, £2 million of which was swallowed up by its insurance company. Last month it promised to donate the surplus to children’s charity Unicef following a media outcry.
Mrs Wood told the Daily Mail: "I never felt that there had been a thorough investigation by the police into exactly who was responsible at Thomas Cook for my children’s deaths. It was quite clear that it was not just the responsibility of the junior, unqualified, inexperienced travel reps.
"This is a positive move forwards and it could bring real justice, especially in the light of the fact everyone is now well aware that nobody served a prison sentence in Greece.
"I would hope that the review will look further up the corporate ladder and identify exactly who made the decisions not to do the proper checks."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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