On Wednesday 18 June CECA North East hosted a compelling Mock Trial event at the historic Lumley Castle, bringing together professionals from across the region’s construction sector for a thought-provoking and highly engaging session.
Designed to highlight the real-world legal consequences of poor health and safety planning, the event placed attendees in the shoes of jurors tasked with deciding the outcome of a fictional but all-too-believable case.
The scenario revolved around a tragic incident in which a construction worker lost their life after being struck by a reversing vehicle during excavation works in a busy town centre. The trial examined the roles of two defendants: a project manager accused of inadequate oversight, and an operative alleged to have failed to follow procedures. Through this narrative, participants explored how poorly managed site operations and lapses in communication or compliance can lead to fatal outcomes—and serious legal ramifications.
The trial was based on the following scenario:
“Jurors will consider the events that led to a fatality in 2022. We return to the scene of an excavation in a busy town centre. The accident victim was working close by the excavation when he was hit by a reversing vehicle. He fell into the hole, and the vehicle fell on top of him. Sadly, he died at the scene.
We will listen to witnesses explain the challenges on site, including poor planning and limited space. Two defendants will try to persuade the jury that they are ‘not guilty’ of the charges against them, whilst we will hear what the wife of the deceased has to say about the incident.”
The event was expertly delivered by Emma Bowens of Gunnercooke, who served as Prosecutor, bringing her specialist legal insight to the fictional courtroom. She was joined by an impressive team of contributors, including CECA North East’s own Vikki Munro (Jury Foreman), Stuart Miller (Judge), Lynne Walker (Clerk of the Court), Chris Connel (Defence), Kate Lloyd (Court Security), Charlie Richmond (Project Manager (Defendant)), Jack Lloyd (Operative (Defendant)), and Alexandra Tahnée. Each played their role with conviction, creating an immersive and impactful experience for all involved.
The session drew an impressive audience from across CECA North East’s membership, with delegates representing organisations such as Absolute Civil Engineering Ltd, Addison Plant, A E Yates Ltd., Applebridge, Carney Consultancy Ltd, Esh Group, G&B Civil Engineering, Hewitson Limited, Meldrum Group, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), MSF, Northern Counties Safety Group, Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd, STRABAG UK, and VolkerWessels UK. Their participation underlined the sector’s commitment to proactive learning and continual improvement in health and safety standards.
CECA’s popular Mock Trials offer a unique and powerful way to learn. By placing attendees in the courtroom setting and asking them to evaluate a realistic and emotive case, the event provided more than just theoretical knowledge—it encouraged deep reflection on internal procedures, the importance of planning and communication, and the legal accountability individuals and companies face when things go wrong. This event served as a stark reminder that health and safety in construction is not just a compliance issue – it’s a moral and legal imperative.
CECA North East has a strong track record of delivering innovative training events, and this Mock Trial was no exception. Building on previous sessions that have covered crisis management and incident response, these trials are now a core part of CECA NE’s training offering for members, complementing a wider programme of client liaison, working groups, and industry forums.
In combining legal drama with practical lessons, CECA North East’s Mock Trial event succeeded in delivering a memorable and valuable experience. Thanks go to all the contributors who made the session possible, and to the attendees who continue to demonstrate their commitment to building a safer construction industry in the North East. If you would like to know more about CECA North East’s programme of events, click here.