A Brighton property developer charged with manslaughter has been given a date for the start of his four-week trial – in May next year.
Mike Holland, 68, of King’s Road, Brighton, and his foreman Grant Oakes, 45, of Portland Road, Hove, formerly of Elm Drive, Hangleton, have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
They entered a plea at Brighton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 12 May) when they were accused of unlawfully killing David Clark, 55, of Dyke Road Avenue, Hove, nearly two years ago. Holland also denied a charge of neglect under health and safety laws.
Mr Clark died on 28 October 2014 after he fell from a building in the stable block at Stanmer House four weeks earlier on Tuesday 30 September.
The trial has been scheduled to start on Monday 15 May next year with a pre-trial review due to take place on Friday 13 January.
Both men were released on unconditional bail by Judge Shani Barnes, the honorary recorder of Brighton and Hove.
The property company Cherrywood Investments, now trading as Threadneedle Estates, is likely to face a jury trial at the same time, the court was told.
