The owner of a fireworks display company has pleaded guilty to health and safety and fraud charges following an incident where a display mortar exploded in the face of a trainee.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Chris Hignell, 51, was working as a trainee firer during a firework display at a wedding party at the Chewton Place Hotel in Keynsham, Bristol, on 3 May 2008.

Jason Edgecombe, who traded as JWP Fireworks and was managing the display, not only failed to train Mr Hignell in how to light the fireworks safely, but also failed to provide him with goggles, ear defenders, or gloves.

Mr Hignell was lighting a rack of mortars using a portfire, under Edgecombe’s direction, when the category-four firework exploded in the trainee’s face. The explosion set his hair on fire, but according to the prosecuting authority, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Edgecombe continued with the fireworks display rather than offering any assistance. Mr Hignell was taken to hospital where he remained for 13 days. He has been left blind in one eye and required extensive facial reconstructive surgery.

The court was told that Edgecombe had used a forged public-liability insurance document to obtain fireworks from a wholesaler and also to get work as a display operator. The council’s senior environmental health officer, David Carter, explained that the investigation was hampered by a complete lack of cooperation from Edgecombe.

He said: “On 10 July 2008, Edgecombe was convicted in his absence at Bath Magistrates Court under s20(2)(j) of the HSWA 1974 for repeatedly failing to attend for interview regarding the accident.

“On the 20 August 2008, Avon and Somerset Police arrested him on the Council’s behalf and I interviewed him at Bath Police Station. My investigation brought to light the forged insurance certificate and my Trading Standards colleagues were able to conduct a parallel investigation of fraud.”

Edgecombe appeared in court on 29 June and pleaded guilty to breaching s3(1) of the HSWA 1974 and to three counts of fraud contrary to s1 of the Fraud Act 2006. Sentencing will take place in August.
After the hearing, Mr Hignell commented: “Edgecombe has ruined my life. I used to go scuba diving, surfing and skiing, but not any more. I also had to sell my Harley Davidson bike.“