Britain’s largest pub group Stonegate is charged with health and safety breaches over the death of Durham University student, 20, who was crushed to death under heavy metal barrier at a nightclub in the city
A criminal prosecution will be brought against Britain’s largest pub company Stonegate following the death of student Olivia Burt outside a nightclub four years ago.
Ms Burt, 20, was queuing outside Missoula bar in Durham when she was fatally injured after a heavy metal barrier collapsed in February 2018.
The Durham University student, who was studying natural sciences, became trapped as revellers pushed forwards outside the venue in Durham’s Walkergate area just before midnight on February 7, 2018.
Desperate attempts were made by doormen to resuscitate her, but she died from severe head injuries at the scene.
Investigations into her death have been ongoing since.
Olivia Burt was killed aged 20 when she became trapped under a metal barrier which toppled over as revellers pushed forwards outside the Missoula nightclub in Durham in February 2018
The Crown Prosecution Service decided against pursuing manslaughter charges but Durham County Council has now charged Stonegate Pub Company with four health and safety breaches.
The case is due to be heard at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on March 1.
Her parents, Nigel and Paula Burt, welcomed the decision to prosecute and said they were awaiting the outcome.
‘We do not understand how our only child died on a night out with friends,’ they said in a statement.
Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: ‘We can confirm we have served a summons on Stonegate Pub Company for four charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act, in relation to matters dating from February 2017 to February 2018.
‘While proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.’
A brief hearing of Durham and Darlington Coroner’s Court was held on Wednesday at Crook Civic Centre, with family members attending online.
Coroner Oliver Longstaff said: ‘I was informed by Durham County Council that a criminal prosecution is being brought against an interested person in the inquiry.
‘Accordingly the coroner’s investigation into Olivia’s death has been suspended until the outcome of those proceedings.’
A decision was made last year by the Crown Prosecution Service not to bring criminal proceedings.
From Hampshire, Ms Burt was a former head girl at Bournemouth School for Girls (BSG) and was an accomplished sailor, having been part of the British Sailing team in the European Championships.
Following their daughter’s death in February 2018, a heartbroken Mr and Mrs Burt told of their devastation.
‘We are totally devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Olivia.
‘She was a wonderful young woman and our words cannot truly express how much we miss her.
‘We request that we be allowed to grieve in private and will not be releasing any further statements.’
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