The trial of a Thomas Cook employee and a former Thomas Cook rep over the deaths of two children in Corfu has been postponed, the Press Association has reported.
Richard Carson, 27, and Nicola Gibson, 25, both face charges of manslaughter and negligence following the deaths of Christianne Shepherd, seven, and her six-year-old brother, Robert, from carbon monoxide poisoning in a Greek holiday apartment in October 2006.
The trial of the pair and 10 Greeks, including staff from the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel in Gouvia, where the children died, was due to start today at Corfu Town Courthouse. However, it was adjourned until February next year, following a request by three of the defendants.
A Thomas Cook spokeswoman said: “We are sorry that the decision of the court to adjourn the hearing today has further upset the families of Christianne and Robert Shepherd.
“Their deaths were a tragedy and the thoughts of the entire Thomas Cook organisation will always be with their family and friends.
“Out of the 10 other defendants standing trial, there were two requests for an adjournment this morning. In addition, the lead lawyer for one of our defendants had been summoned at short notice to appear before a Greek Appeal Court and was not able to be present in Corfu today.
“In line with normal procedure, the court in Corfu was duly informed.
“We have no desire to see the trial delayed more than is necessary. It was the court’s decision to fix the trial date for February next year.”