Malcolm Galloway

Criminal Regulatory & Environmental

Health & Safety

Malcolm is described in Chambers and Partners as having ‘excellent technical knowledge and is faultless in his case preparation.’ He is instructed in complex and high profile health and safety investigations including Gross Negligence Manslaughter and Corporate Manslaughter and frequently appears in inquests forming part of an investigation by the HSE. Described by the directories as ‘a heavyweight advocate, who is robust when required with clients and opponents’ his clients include International Logistic Companies, Care Homes, Hotels, High Street Restaurant Chains, Supermarkets and Transport Companies.

Cases: –

Regina v Ian Leavers (‘Greenfeeds Case’) – Lead counsel for the MD of a Pig Feeds company where two employees were killed as a result of succumbing to the fumes whilst cleaning a feed tanker. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2022-06-16/company-bosses-sentenced-after-two-workers-drowned-in-toxic-pig-feed https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/16/greenfeeds-senior-management-jailed-over-death-of-two-employees

Regina v Mark Redfern (‘Alutrade case’) – Lead counsel for the health and safety manager accused of manslaughter after the death of an employee who had his head crushed by an unguarded machine. After service of the defence statement, CPS agree a plea to S.37. Suspended sentence. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2022-03-25/company-fined-2-million-after-death-of-worker-at-oldbury-scrap-metal-plant https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2022/03/25/oldbury-firm-alutrade-fined-2m-for-corporate-manslaughter-of-employee/

Regina v Keith Young – Represented a director of a demolition company tried for manslaughter after a collapse of ‘Splott Church’ in Cardiff. Acquitted of Manslaughter and sentenced to a suspended sentence for S.37 HSWA. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59667575 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/splott-citadel-church-cardiff-death-22476337

Regina v Peter Shingler & others (Bosley Mill explosion) – This case was tried by May J in the purpose built Nightingale court in Chester. It arose as a result of the Bosley Mill explosion where four employees died. Lead Counsel representing the mill manager, issues in the case included the ‘cut throat’ aspect of the defence cases and the issue of ‘management’ under s.37 HSWA. All defendants acquitted and a lead case on cause’ decided by the Court of Appeal after a terminal ruling by the trial judge. https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2021-04-30/bosley-wood-mill-managers-cleared-of-health-and-safety-charges-after-fatal-blast

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53529866

https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/cps-statement-charges-over-bosley-mill-explosion

Torridge District Council v Stuart Clements & others – A tragic case where of a toddler drowning in a swimming pool at an activity centre. Malcolm advised at an early stage and represented a director charged with manslaughter. After Malcolm provided written submissions the manslaughter was withdrawn and the company and directors were prosecuted for Health and Safety offences. At the Crown Court Malcolm was lead negotiator for all defendants and persuaded the prosecution to drop the case against the two directors. From a period of one and a half years Malcolm’s client went from facing a manslaughter charge to a s.37 HSWA charge to having the case dropped. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-41081886

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/aug/29/police-investigate-death-of-four-year-old-boy-in-devon-activity-centre

HSE v Starbucks UK Ltd and Stannah Holdings Ltd – instructed to defend Stannah (with John Cooper KC) following a lift failure in a Starbucks coffee house which resulted very serious injuries to a member of the public. This was a ‘cut throat’ case between two large corporates both blaming each other for the dangerous state of the lift. Due to Malcolm’s expertise in lift cases he took the lead in directing the defence expert evidence which eventually led to the prosecution dropping the case against Stannah. Co-defendant had to accept a caution. If Stannah had been convicted, it would have been a major blow to their reputation.

HSE South Wales Police – Representing South Wales Police in a case involved a civilian employee who received an electric shock when fitting cabling in police headquarters. His heart stopped and he received very serious injuries. A factual basis was accepted by the court which led to a nominal fine. https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/south-wales-police-pays-out-95000-after-employee-injured-during-cable-installation/

https://www.ioshmagazine.com/2020/02/12/hse-prosecutes-police-force-over-electric-shock

HSE v Bureau Veritas UK Limited (and others) – BV are one of the world’s leading certification companies who inspect lifting equipment and provide safe certification. They were prosecuted after a lift that they certified as safe was in ‘freefall’ and crashed resulting in the death of a resident in a care home. HSE dropped case against them 48 hours before trial.

Environmental

The Legal 500 says ‘his client care is second to none and he is the top junior for environmental prosecutions’ and He has excellent procedural and tactical knowledge to compliment top-grade advocacy skills, plus an excellent manner with clients.’ In the past he has represented the Environment Agency in some of the highest profile prosecutions, but he now has a purely defence practice. He is standing Counsel to South West Water and also represents Northumbrian Water Ltd and Thames Water. He has extensive experience representing both corporate and individual defendants facing prosecution for breaches of environmental legislation. He has defended cases of major pollution incidents; permit breaches, the release of hazardous substances. His clients come from diverse backgrounds ranging from large Utility companies to restaurants, farmers and waste and recycling firms.

Cases:

EA v Northumbrian Water Ltd (Heads Hope Dean) – Trial where the unusual defence of ‘third party intervention’ was to be deployed requiring the Water Company to prove

something ‘exceptional’ has happened to break the chain of causation. Case was settled by service of a basis of and a day’s legal argument on culpability and harm. Trial judge found in favour of water company on all points. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/county-durham-newcastle-crown-court-environment-agency-north-east-b962807.html

EA v Northumbrian Water Limited (Coundon Burn) – Defending the water

company being prosecuted or allowed its manholes on agricultural land to become

damaged therefore leading to a serious pollution event.

EA v South West Water (South Sands) – Prosecution of a large water company after repeated spillages onto popular tourist beach. Prosecution submitted that as SWW was a Very Large Organisation it should be receiving sentences similar to Thames Water (£1M). Court accepted submission on sentence and only fined £60,000.

EA v Thames Water Limited – Represented Thames Water after a power disruption at Hogsmill Sewage Treatment Works (STW), the pumps in the inlet pump stations failed. Substantial discharge onto a local park.

Inquests

Recommended by the Legal 500 due to his ‘ ‘standout ability to be both approachable to the client, yet with an air of gravitas that instantly puts the client at ease.  A go-to counsel for complex and high-profile cases due to his ability to digest complex evidence and put it simply to a client; and he does not sit on the fence when it comes to advising a client.’ Malcolm frequently appears in the Coroners Court to represent corporate clients or individual directors. His cases frequently attract national press interest and his recent clients have Included Housing Associations, mining companies, care homes, large cooperate entities, transport companies and individual directors facing a possible regulatory investigation.

Cases: 

Re: Awaab Ishak – Described by the coroner as ‘A wake up call for everyone in housing, social care and health’. This inquest was national news for a week and arose as a result of the death of a toddler in social housing as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in his home. Represented RBH the housing provider. No finding of neglect and no PDF against RBH, but PDF’s to Minster for Housing and Minster for Health with letters to both the local council and health authority. https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2022-11-15/awaab-ishak-two-year-olds-death-caused-by-mould-in-flat https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-63641438

Re: Zack Richardson – Young worker crushed between a FLT and a wall. Unknown circumstances as to how the accident happened. Represented company and Managing Director. https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2022-09-28/teenager-crushed-to-death-by-forklift-truck-at-new-job

Re: Luke Hobson – 14 year old Luke Hobson died while training at Blueharts Hockey Club at night before the pitch lights had been switched on or coaches were on the pitch. Malcolm was instructed due to the involvement of a number of child witnesses. He was able to provide advice at an early stage which, thanks to the work undertaken by lawyers for the club, resulted in written statements being sufficient. This was high profile inquest with both the club, the family and England Hockey being interested parties. It resulted in a PDF report against England Hockey, not the club. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-54449114

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8814637/Hertfordshire-boy-14-died-hit-head-hockey-stick-practice-inquest-hears.html

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=49696&itemTitle=Message+from+England+Hockey+following+inquest+into+the+passing+of+Luke+Hobson&section=22

Re: Anastasis Uglow – This highly contested inquest relates to the death of a 17 year old, sixth form student from Bristol Grammar School who was found unconscious and unresponsive in the New York hotel the school’s touring party was staying in. She was later found to have died of sepsis and the family have blamed teachers at the school for her death. Represented the school. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-50895446 https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2019-12-26/bristol-schoolgirl-dies-on-new-york-school-trip https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/dec/24/british-teenager-dies-during-school-trip-to-new-york https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-teenager-death-school-trip-new-york-bristol-grammar-school-a9258826.html

Grenfell Public Inquiry – Represented two site managers for Rydon responsible for the refit

at Grenfell. They were both due to give evidence to the inquiry in 2020. As both are also police suspects was instrumental in the submitting to the inquiry that his clients would not agree to give evidence to the inquiry without an undertaking from the Attorney General regarding the potential use of their evidence in the criminal proceedings. This led to the inquiry being adjourned until the undertaking was provided by the AG. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/attorney-general-provides-undertaking-for-grenfell-tower-inquiry https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/04/grenfell-tower-public-inquiry-delayed-due-to-witnesses-demands

Re: Stewart Ramsay – Stewart Ramsay suffered ‘un-survivable head injuries’ at a Creag Concrete Site. Ramsay was attempting to re-attach a rope to a ‘grab’ when the jaws of the grab slammed shut trapping his head. Before and during the inquest the authorities were deciding whether to prosecute the Company for Corporate Manslaughter and Gross Negligence Manslaughter against a Director. By cross examining the employees we were able to demonstrate the mistakes they had made resulting in the jury being back a conclusion of ‘accident’ not ‘unlawful death’. Therefore, the Company only faced Health and Safety offences. A substantial climbdown by the police. https://www.lawbreakingnews.com/2019/05/creagh-concrete-worker-died-of-unsurvivable-head-injuries/

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/plant-worker-24-died-under-2851794 

Selected Cases

Health & Safety

• HSE v Barrie Taylor – Director prosecuted after driver killed in ‘roll away’ incident. Acquitted before the close of the prosecution case. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-51389510
• HSE v South Wales Police – Represented, with Jason Beer QC, SW Police after civilian employee suffered electric shock. https://www.hsmsearch.com/South-Wales-Police-fined-employee-shocked
• HSE v Electricity North West – Instructed for the Court of Appeal. Fine reduced by 85%. https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/content/R-v-Electricity-North-West-Ltd
• HSE v Flybe – Represented Flybe after employee fell down a lift shaft. Company sentenced on ‘non-causational’ basis. https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2020-02-05/flybe-fined-100-000-after-worker-falls-from-faulty-lift-at-exeter-airport/
• HSE v Wayne Rees. Sentence of director after fatal fall from height of steeplejack. Suspended sentence. https://www.ioshmagazine.com/window-cleaner-broke-back-suspended-access-platform-fall
• Vale of Glamorgan Council v SA Brain – Represented Brains Brewery Cardiff after a customer fell down cellar stairs. Matter dealt with in magistrates court. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/brains-brewery-fined-140000-after-15868599
• HSE v PDR Construction – Represented defendant after roofer fell constructing a new KFC.
• Devon Fire Service v SCM – Represented director of rental company for fire order offences. Non-custodial sentence passed.
• HSE v Winchmore Brickwork Ltd & Willmott Partnership Housing – Represented first defendant in prosecution arising after a housing estate had to be evacuated due to concerns with their boilers. Defendant acquitted at trial.
• HSE v Conservatory Outlet  – Initially represented Directory who was being investigated under s.37, then Company in very contested sentencing hearing that continued over two days. Judge accepted defence submissions on culpability and harm.
• HSE v Littlewood Fencing Ltd   –  Represented Company after the crushing of an employee hand
• HSE v Electricity North West Ltd – Junior to John Cooper QC in successful appeal against sentence to the Court of Appeal (85% reduction in sentence)
• DCC v Kevin Duckworth & Others – Acquitted after trial of course manager of Cycling event after spectator was killed whilst watching Competitive Downhill Cycling event. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-44612429
• ECC v Mitchells & Butlers PLC – Junior to John Cooper QC defending first prosecution resulting from a Norovirus outbreak.
• HSE v Frutarom Ltd – Represented an international pharmaceutical company relating to failures to properly control the risks relating to chemicals and guarding.
• HSE v Europlast (Blackburn) Ltd – Represented Company after employees hand crushed in workshop resulting in Level B injuries
• HSE v Paul Prior – Represented Company Director after employee fell at a building site and sustained life changing injuries.
• HSE v TN Beeston & Son – Represented farmer after employee was seriously injured by Bull at farm.
• HSE v Brightwell Dispensers Ltd – Represented Company after employee suffered ‘Level B’ injuries after trapping his hand in newly modified equipment.
• HSE v Mercian Recycling Ltd – Represented Company after fall from height resulted in catastrophic injuries to employee.
• HSE v JCB & DHL – representing DHL after its employee was crushed and seriously injured at JCB’s premises.
• HSE v Shufflebottom & another – Represented Company after worker fell 20m from a MEWPT and died whilst working at Pembroke Dock.
• HSE v Messer – Acquittal by the jury of alleged ‘site supervisor’ in a fall from height, which resulted in worker suffering paraplegia.
• HSE v Camelot Play Castle – Representing children’s Play center after a number of children suffered serious injures due to defective matting.
• HSE v MJL Contractors – Representing ground works company after employee killed in dumper truck overturn.
• HSE v Perrin Stevens Ltd & others – Acquittal in multi-handed jury trial relating to a serious injury resulting from a fairground ride a music festival.
• HSE v Pioneer Design and Build – represented Company after third party fell through a void in building site.
• North Avon DC v Nailsea Power Cleaning & Another – Successful defense of director of Company after prosecuted under s.37 HSWA after serious fall from height of employee.
• HSE v Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust Represented trust in prosecution brought under COSHH Regulations 2002.
• HSE v Quality Marking Services Ltd – represented Company after employee had his hand amputated using industrial mixing machine.
• HSE v Muir & Muir – represented owners of building company after employee fell from height.
• HSE v Febrey – Defended the managing director of a construction firm after a fatal fall from a site at ‘The Tower’ Swansea.
• London Borough of Havering v Pinnacle Construction & another – Represented Company after fall from height of an employee at the premises of the co-defendant.
• HSE v Activ Projects – Represented Company after employee had hand trapped into wood cutting machine resulting in serious injuries.
• HSE v DHL & another – representing DHL after the death of an employee who was crushed whilst making a delivery to the second defendants premises.
• HSE v Quality First Builders Ltd – representing Company after fall from height fatality of employee.
• Bristol CC v DHL & another – successful defence of DHL after third party was seriously injured after delivery of beer barrels to second defendants premises. Local authority dropped case after service of the defence statement.
• CBC v Barclays Bank PLC – Prosecution on behalf of CBC the first successful regulatory prosecution against Barclay’s Bank PLC.
• HSE v Williams – Instructed to defend wood mill after amputation of employee’s hand after he had operated unguarded machinery.
• HSE v Leese’s – Instructed to defend large recycling company after incident relating to the movement of plant and substantial life changing injuries to employee.
• Torbay BC v Rainbow Hotel – Acted for the prosecution resulting after the death in a swimming pool of a guest at the hotel.

Environmental

• EA v Timothy Hook – Farmer prosecuted after his herbicide spreader overturned after an RTA. Acquitted at trial. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/17576559.farmer-cleared-wrongdoing-west-oxfordshire-pesticides-spill/
• EA v Northumbrian Water Ltd – Broomley STW prosecution. EA submitting ‘reckless culpability’ court found ‘low culpability’ and fined £27,000. https://www.crownofficechambers.com/2018/07/24/malcolm-galloway-secured-a-low-culpability-sentence-for-northumbrian-water-ltd/
• EA v South West Water – Salcombe beach. EA prosecution after sewage spilled onto a popular beach. Fined £60,000. https://wwtonline.co.uk/news/south-west-water-fined-after-repeat-sewage-spill
• EA v South West Water (Salcombe & Dartmouth STW’s) – Contested sentence hearing. Judge found in favour of SWW in culpability and harm.
• EA v Northumbrian Water Ltd (Broomley STW) : – Breaches of Regulation 12 & 33 EPR – Prosecution alleging Recklessness by NWL, after hearing court found low culpability.
• EA v South West Water – Representing SWW on a number of prosecutions brought by the EA for breach of permit or unlawful discharges of effluent.
• EA v Lee Phelin – Instructed to represent company director being prosecuted for the handling and onward shipment of Hazardous material. Described by the EA as the largest ever hazardous material prosecution. Amounts involved run over £10m
• EA v ML Construction Ltd & Mike Lock – Successful representation of the Mayor of Yeovil and his company after allegations of large scale illegal deposits of waste.
• R v Dunn & Others – Successful defence of the main defendant in one of the largest prosecutions ever brought by the Environment Agency. Defendants ran multi-million pound business ‘recycling’ vast amounts of waste tyres into engineering pallets for use in the UK and Vietnam
• EA v Kier Construction & BKP – Prosecution counsel in the ‘Christchurch Hospital spill’ where over 10,000 liters of heating fuel was released into the ground after mistakes in a construction project.
• EA v Leggat – Defence of a farmer who had allowed animal feed to pollute the local water course resulting in ‘fish kill’.

News

• Inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak
• Alutrade Ltd & Ors: Manslaughter Trial Resolves with Fines for Defendants

Read more

Articles

• Some practical advice for applying the Sentencing Guideline for Health and Safety offences in a “social distancing” Crown Court

Events

• Criminal Regulatory & Environmental Manchester Drinks Party

Memberships

• Criminal Bar Association
• Health & Safety Lawyers Association
• UK Environmental Lawyers Association
• Western Circuit