Man charged over 'manslaughter' of Fisherman's Friends singer and promoter

A man has been charged with two counts of manslaughter by gross negligence following the deaths of Trevor Grills, singer with shanty group Fisherman's Friends, and the band's promoter, Paul McMullen, when they were struck by a stage door in 2013, Surrey Police have confirmed.

David Naylor, from the Bridgnorth area of Shropshire, has been released on conditional bail following the joint investigation between police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr Grills, singer with the Cornish-based group, was killed when he was hit by a large door at the G Live theatre in Guildford on February 9 2013, just hours before his group was due to perform.

Mr Grills, 54, was treated for head injuries at St George's Hospital, Tooting, south London, but was pronounced dead two days later.

The band's promoter, Mr McMullen, from the Stockport area, died at the scene of the incident, suffering fatal leg injuries.

The singers had enjoyed chart success and performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury after being spotted singing on Port Isaac harbour by a record executive.

Surrey Police confirmed Express Hi-Fold Doors Limited, which manufactured the doors involved in the incident at the venue in 2013, has been summonsed for breaches of the duty imposed by the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Naylor is believed to be the director of Express Hi-Fold Doors Limited.

He is on conditional bail and will appear at South West Surrey Magistrates Court in Guildford on December 15, police said.

The singers took a break from performing immediately after the double tragedy, however, they have since returned to the stage and released their latest album, Proper Job, in July.