A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution is being brought against Newcastle City Council following the death of a six-year-old.
Ella Henderson was hit by a falling tree at Gosforth Park First School on Friday, September 25, 2020. She died at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) the following morning.
Following her tragic death, Ella's parents described their "beautiful baby girl" as "so brave and so strong", and added that she brought so much joy to everyone she met. They also thanked Ella's teachers, the emergency services and the staff at the RVI who did everything they could to help her.
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In the hours after losing her precious girl, Ella's heartbroken mum, Vikki, set up an online fundraising page to support the Great North Air Ambulance Service, who flew to Ella's aid.
Now Newcastle City Council will face a charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The charge follows an investigation by HSE, initially led by Northumbria Police.
The first hearing is due to take place at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on January 10, 2023.
A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “This was a tragedy and our thoughts are with Ella’s family.
“It would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage as legal proceedings are ongoing.”
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