A man could face prison after a mantelpiece he fitted in a house collapsed and killed a little girl with an ‘infectious love of life’.
Six-year-old Isabella Pritchard, known as Bella, suffered massive head injuries after the heavy stone fireplace, similar to the weight of a fridge freezer, crashed on top of her at her family home in Beaconsfield, Bucks, on July 7, 2012.
Bella, who had three brothers named Will, Oli and Archie, was rushed to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough but died later as a result of her injuries.
Christopher Elmer, 39, of Goring Way, Greenford, admitted failing to ensure Bella was not exposed to risks to her health and safety as he worked at her parents’ home, Reading Crown Court was told yesterday (June 2).
A judge said all sentencing options were open.
The 39-year-old had been due to stand trial for Bella’s manslaughter by gross negligence but the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence.
Prosecutor Iain Wicks said: “Following a review of the expert evidence and new reports by the experts, the view was taken that the evidence was insufficient to establish that offence.”
Judge John Reddihough told Elmer that a pre-sentence report would be prepared before his sentencing, for which a date has not yet been set.
Mr Reddihough said: “I must make it clear to you that all sentencing options remain open to the court, including a custodial sentence.”
Elmer was released on unconditional bail.
Bella attended Maltman’s School for Girls in Gerrards Cross, Bucks.
At the time of her death, her headmistress Joanna Pardon said: “She was a very special little girl with an infectious love of life.
“She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, her laughter and her caring gentle nature.”
Bella’s parents attended what should have been the first day of Elmer’s trial and listened in the public gallery as his plea to the Health and Safety breach was accepted.
Mr and Mrs Pritchard declined to comment after the hearing.
