Simon Antrobus KC leading Nicola Atkins and Mike Atkins, led by Dominic Adamson KC, secure acquittals for their corporate clients in the five-week Corniche penthouse window detachment trial
10th Aug 2026
Simon Antrobus KC leading Nicola Atkins and Mike Atkins, led by Dominic Adamson KC of Temple Garden Chambers, have each secured acquittals for their respective clients in a five-week jury trial at Inner London Crown Court. Four companies were prosecuted for criminal breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 arising out of the detachment of a penthouse window from the 26th floor of a luxury high-rise residential development on London’s Albert Embankment in October 2018. The detachment led to the tragic death of an innocent passer-by, Mick Ferris.
The case is regarded as a significant one for the construction and façade engineering industries, examining as it has done the scope of the duties owed by the designers, manufacturers and installers of outward-opening window systems on high-rise buildings.
Simon Antrobus KC and Nicola Atkins represented Wintech Ltd, a façade engineering consultancy, instructed by Jo Lewis, David Murphy and Daniella Parfitt of Beale & Co Solicitors LLP. Mike Atkins acted for Foster + Partners, led by Dominic Adamson KC of Temple Garden Chambers, both instructed by Mamata Dutta and Andrew Martin of RPC. Both companies were unanimously acquitted by the jury; the remaining two defendants were convicted and await sentence in September 2026.
