Tour operator Thomas Cook has reiterated its sympathy for the family of the two children who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Corfu but insisted its reps should never have been put on trial.
In a statement released shortly after the not guilty verdicts delivered in the manslaughter case against Richard Carson and Nicola Gibson, Cook said its thoughts were with the family and friends of Christianne and Robert Shepherd.
The brother and sister died while on holiday in Corfu in 2006 after a badly maintained hot water boiler leaked gas into the bungalow they were staying in with their father and step mother.
In the statement Cook said: “We have always maintained that this tragic accident was the result of a unique set of circumstances, none of which could be the responsibility of the company or Richard Carson and Nicola Gibson. We believe that they should never have formed part of this court case.”
Pete Constanti, Thomas Cook UK and Ireland chief executive, added: “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.”