Stately home admits failings after butler crushed to death

An iconic stately home faces a heavy fine after a butler was crushed to death in a luggage lift.

Arthur Mellar died in hospital after his head got caught in the lift at Burghley House in July 2014.

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The 47-year-old had worked at the Lincolnshire attraction, which was the film location for the Da Vinci Code and Pride & Prejudice, for nine years.

ITV News reports that the Burghley House Preservation Trust pleaded guilty to a count of failing to ensure the welfare of their employee.

It admitted failing to discharge a duty under Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, contrary to Section 33 (1) of the Health and Safety Act 1974.

The Daily Mail reports that Sir John Nutting Bt QC, Chairman of the Governors of Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited, said: "The Governors and I, and all at Burghley, continue to be deeply saddened by the tragic accident that resulted in Arthur Mellar's death in July 2014."

The Trust, which was defended by Ms Sarah Le Fevre, will be sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on February 27.

Mr Mellar's partner Gerwin Castillo was present in court and said he would comment on the case after sentencing.