Electrician cleared of manslaughter of Harvey Tyrrell in Harold Wood

Harvey was playing with a friend in a pub garden when he was electrocuted (credit: Metropolitan Police)

An electrician has been cleared of killing seven-year-old Harvey Tyrrell after he was electrocuted at a pub in Harold Wood.

Colin Naylor, of Rayleigh, was found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday. 

The 74-year-old was found guilty of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act. 

Harvey died after being electrocuted at The King Harold pub, in Station Road, in September 2018.

During an investigation into his death, it was discovered that Harvey suffered the shock after he sat on a poorly installed light and touched a railing.

He had been playing in the pub garden with his friend at the time.

Naylor had completed the electrical installation of the light and a significant amount of electrical maintenance at the property.

On inspection, it was found that the metal casing of the light was live with electricity, having not been sufficiently earthed or insulated against water ingress.

Naylor, who claims to have 50 years’ experience as a qualified electrician, admitted he had carried out work at the premises in April 2018 and had viewed one of the electrical distribution boards.

He said this gave him cause to ‘raise his eyebrows’, but having spoken to the owner of the pub he took the decision ‘not to get involved in that side of things.’

The inspection conducted following Harvey’s death found the entire distribution board serving the garden lights was not earthed.

Detective Sergeant Andy McAlister said: “As a qualified electrician, Naylor had not only the ability, but also the responsibility, to ensure that the work he completed didn’t pose a risk to those visiting the venue.

“Expert examination of the electrical system identified a variety of modifications that were far below an acceptable safety standard.

“Naylor made it clear in his police interview that he did not think the safety of the electrical system as a whole was his responsibility.

“The decision he made to continue with the installation, regardless of the dangerous wiring already present, cost the life of an innocent child and has devastated a family.”

Harvey’s parents Lewis Tyrrell and Danielle Jones, speaking on behalf of his family, said: “After two and a half years of heartbreak since losing our beautiful baby boy Harvey, we are grateful to the jury for finding Colin Naylor guilty of the part he played in our precious son’s death.

“We are grateful to our community, the police and the prosecution team for all their support during our tragic ordeal. As a family we need some time to reflect on this outcome.”

The pub’s owner, David Bearman, 73, of Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter in March.

Naylor and Bearman have both been bailed for sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

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