Olivia Burt: Britain’s biggest pub chain charged over death of student, 20, crushed at bar
BRITAIN'S biggest pub chain has been charged over the death of a student who was crushed at a bar.
Olivia Burt, 20, died in February 2018 after suffering a serious head injury outside Missoula nightclub in Durham.
Tragic Olivia was in her first year at Durham University studying natural sciences.
Durham County Council has now charged Stonegate Pub Company with four health and safety breaches.
The case is scheduled for March 1 at Peterlee Magistrates' Court.
Nigel and Paula Burt, Olivia's parents, have unresolved questions about the night their daughter died but supported the move to hold the pub accountable.
They said: "We do not understand how our only child died on a night out with friends."
Durham County Council's head of community protection, Joanne Waller, acknowledged the action but was unable to offer further details.
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She said: "We can confirm we have served a summons on Stonegate Pub Company for four charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act, in relation to matters dating from February 2017 to February 2018.
"While proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."
The criminal proceedings will take place ahead of a previously planned inquiry.
Olivia, who died at the scene despite docs best efforts, was in her first year at Durham University studying natural sciences.
At the time, her emotionally torn parents said they were totally "devastated and heartbroken" by her loss.
They said: "She was a wonderful young woman and our words cannot truly express how much we miss her."
The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue manslaughter charges, leading to the council's action.
