- Geoffrey Counsell is accused of causing a 34-car pile-up with his fireworks display in Taunton last year
- Seven people died and 51 were injured close to junction 25
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Accused: Geoffrey Counsell today after he appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of seven people killed on the M5 last year
A fireworks organiser accused of the manslaughter of seven people who died in a motorway pile-up described as one of the worst ever seen on British roads was in court today.
Geoffrey Counsell, 50, from Somerset, is accused of sending an impenetrable black cloud across the road from his 3,000 display at Taunton Rugby Club last year, before a 34-car pile-up on the M5.
Seven people died and 51 were injured close to junction 25 at 8.30pm on November 4.
Mr Counsell, who runs Firestorm Pyrotechnics, was charged last month over alleged failings in the planning and operation of the display.
Today he made his first appearance at Bristol Magistrates' Court where he did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm his name and address.
Lorry drivers Terry Brice, from Patchway, south Gloucestershire, and Kye Thomas, from Gunnislake, Cornwall, died in the crash, along with father and daughter Michael and Maggie Barton, from Windsor, Berkshire, grandparents Anthony and Pamela Adams, from Newport, south Wales, and battle re-enactor Malcolm Beacham, from Bridgwater, Somerset.
In a joint statement released last month, Avon and Somerset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service said no action would be taken against individual motorists or the rugby club.
They said: 'Since the collision we have worked closely together to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the collision and to carefully consider all the evidence.
'This has been a complex process which has also involved working with Taunton Deane Borough Council and seeking the views of expert witnesses.
Chaos: Aerial view of the wreckage left by a crash on the M5 ,otorway in Somerset for which firework boss Geoffery Counsell is now facing trial
Disaster: Police blamed a cloud of smoke that spread across the road from the nearby fireworks display in Taunton
The pictures of the charred vehicles shocked the nation on November 4 last year
'Having considered the evidence in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the CPS decided there was sufficient evidence to charge Geoffrey Counsell, the provider of the fireworks display at Taunton Rugby Club on the night of the collision, with manslaughter.
'The charges are due to his alleged failings in the planning and operation of the display.'
'It was clear from the investigation carried out by Avon and Somerset Police that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute for driver error and therefore no action will be taken against any motorists.
'The CPS also considered the culpability of Taunton Rugby Club and reached the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.'
Mr Counsell, of Ashill, Somerset, was bailed and is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on December 4.
Venue: Taunton Rugby Club was where there was a fireworks display was held
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