Care Home and Charity Face Corporate Manslaughter Charges After Resident Drownings

A care home and a charity have been charged with corporate manslaughter in connection with the deaths of two disabled residents who drowned when their boat capsized on Roadford Lake Reservoir in Devon in June 2022. Burdon Grange Care Home Limited and South West Lakes Trust each face two counts of corporate manslaughter, the Crown Prosecution Service announced.

Both organizations have also been charged with failing to discharge their duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The incident occurred on June 8, 2022, when a boat carrying six people capsized, leading to the deaths of Alison Tilsley, 63, and Alex Wood, 43.

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, stated that prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings in the public interest. He added that the service had worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police during their investigation and that thoughts remain with the families of the deceased.

Mr. Wood, a father of four, and Ms. Tilsley, both using electric wheelchairs, were reportedly pulled underwater by the weight of their chairs when the "wheelyboat" capsized. Kate Dart, in her 50s, also sustained serious injuries after being found face down in the water.

The first court hearing is scheduled for November 11, 2026, at Bristol Magistrates' Court.