The Thomas Cook reps standing trial for the deaths of two children in Corfu have been found not guilty.
Richard Carson, 28, and Nicola Gibson, 26, both faced charges of manslaughter by negligence in relation to the children and causing bodily injury by negligence in relation to the children’s father Neil Shepherd and his partner Ruth Beatson.
Their trial in Corfu began in February.
The pair were joined in the dock by nine Greek nationals including the manager of the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel where the family were staying in October 2006 when the tragedy happened.
Hotel manager Georgios Chrysikopoulos, head of the hotel technical department Petros Stoyiannos and hotel electrician Christos Louvros were each sentenced to seven years. Civil engineer Dimitrios Xidias was given two years on probation.
The operator said the children’s death had resulted from a unique set of circumstances, none of which should be the responsibility of the company or the two employees.
Thomas Cook UK and Ireland chief executive Pete Constanti said: “There has been a very thorough and robust trial in Corfu and we are pleased that this has identified those responsible, and that the court has confirmed Richard and Nicola’s innocence.
“Both individuals are exemplary members of our team and we are pleased that they have now been fully vindicated.”
The court had heard in the prosecution’s summing up that it had been Carson’s duty to fill out health and safety questionnaires as part of his role as customer affairs executive, while Gibson was an overseas representative.