Scrapyard manager Robert Roberts of Connah’s Quay has been charged with manslaughter after an employee of Deeside Metals died in an explosion at the site

Aug 27 2009 by Francesca Elliott, Chester Chronicle

A SCRAP YARD manager has appeared in court charged with manslaughter following the death of a worker in Saltney.

Robert Roberts, 55, appeared at Flintshire Magistrates Court at Mold on Tuesday charged with unlawfully killing Mark Wright, who was working at Deeside Metal in Chester Road, Saltney when he died in April 2005.

Mr Roberts, from Golftyn Drive, Connah's Quay, is also charged with gross negligence and breaching health and safety laws.

Mr Wright, 37, of Wrekin Way, died after gas cannisters he was asked to crush at the site, exploded, causing 90% burns to his body.

An inquest into his death in February revealed the canisters could still have contained at least 19.6kg of propellant.

During a two minute appearance in court, Mr Roberts was unconditionally bailed to appear at Mold Crown Court at 10am on September 18.