Carolyn Hoare is still fighting for justice after her son Matthew died in an industrial accident five years ago. Picture: Barry Goodwin.

by Adam Williams

A Chartham mother marks the fifth anniversary of her son’s death on Thursday still awaiting answers.

Much loved son and brother Matthew Hoare died at a Sandwich industrial estate in 2006 when a digger tyre exploded in his face. The 21-year-old, from Shalmsford Street, was killed instantly at Hammill Brickworks on January 27. A former St Anselm’s Catholic Secondary School pupil, he had been working for Watling Tyres at the time.

Mother Carolyn Hoare, 51, has since endured a frustrating battle to secure justice with both civil and criminal proceedings launched against Watling Tyres.

In September 2008 she successfully received damages with costs following a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court, but a criminal conviction has never arrived.

Fresh hope appeared last April when, after a judicial review, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would reconsider the case for a charge of manslaughter.

But this week her solicitor Nick Fairweather revealed the CPS has decided not to prosecute for manslaughter.

“The case was looked at afresh last summer in conjunction with the police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). We have had to advise Carolyn not to proceed with fresh judicial review proceedings but instead to focus on the HSE deciding on a prosecution under Health and Safety at work legislation.”

The CPS has not disclosed the reasons behind the decision, but Mr Fairweather admits attention must now turn to the HSE.

“By any standards Carolyn has been given a raw deal and we expect the HSE to move quickly to reach a decision on a health and safety prosecution. We can then deal with an inquest.

“I feel very strongly that the system has let this family down and we will continue to fight with Carolyn for justice for Matthew.”

Reacting to the decision, Carolyn Hoare said: “Five years on, Matthew’s family and friends continue to miss him dreadfully.

“His loss leaves such a hole in all our lives. I am disappointed by the CPS decision but will not be deterred by it.

“I will continue to fight for justice for Matthew for as long as it takes.”