Jury Acquits Man in Pub Heater Fuel Incident That Caused Severe Burns
A man has been cleared by a jury after an incident where he squirted fuel onto a tabletop heater, resulting in two cousins sustaining serious burns. The case, which unfolded at Ipswich Crown Court, concluded with not guilty verdicts reached within an hour of deliberation.
Details of the Incident at the Kings Head Pub
The event occurred in April 2021 at the Kings Head pub in Great Cornard, Suffolk, during a celebration for April Charlesworth's 28th birthday. Dale Carter, aged 30, was accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on April and her cousin Ashleigh Charlesworth, but he denied the charges throughout the proceedings.
His defence barrister characterised the moment Carter poured fuel on the heater as a "horrible accident", arguing that it was not an intentional act of harm. The prosecution had presented evidence of the severe injuries suffered by the cousins, but the jury ultimately sided with the defence's portrayal of the event as accidental.
Legal Outcome and Implications
The quick verdict highlights the jury's acceptance of the accident defence, underscoring the challenges in proving intent in such cases. This acquittal may influence how similar incidents are handled legally, particularly in distinguishing between negligence and deliberate harm in public settings like pubs.
While the cousins endured horrific burns, the legal system has determined that Carter's actions did not constitute a criminal offence under the charges brought. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with fuel and heating devices in social environments.
