Harvey Tyrrell death: Mum calls for electrical safety checks

The mum of Harvey Tyrrell who died after he was electrocuted in the garden of a pub in Harold Wood has called on venues to carry out safety checks with the arrival of summer. 

Seven-year-old Harvey died in September 2018 after grabbing a metal railing while sitting on a defective garden light at the King Harold pub in Station Road. 

David Bearman, the former landlord, and Colin Naylor, an electrician, were both jailed in April 2021 for their roles in Harvey’s death. 

Approaching the five-year anniversary of his death Harvey’s mum, Danielle Jones, has called on pubs, restaurants and other venues to ensure no children suffer the same fate. 

Danielle and Harvey (Image: HSE)

Danielle said: “People who run pubs and other hospitality venues should regularly check their electrics, especially as pub beer gardens are getting busier at this time of the year. 

“I’m still hearing of other incidents involving unsafe electrics in pubs and this needs to stop – I don’t want any other family to go through what happened to us.” 

Remembering her son, 34-year-old Danielle from Romford said: “Harvey was such a beautiful little soul, a cheeky chappie and one of a kind and what sadly happened to him could have been prevented.” 

Naylor, then of Hockley Road, Rayleigh, was acquitted of manslaughter by gross negligence by a jury but found guilty of a breach of the Health and Safety Work Act. 

Colin Naylor pictured outside Snaresbrook Crown Court. (Image: PA)

His brother-in-law Bearman, then of Little Leighs, Chelmsford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence and stealing electricity from an unmetered supply. 

The men, both in their 70s, were jailed for one year and nine years respectively. 

Judge Martyn Zeidman QC told Bearman: “In short, you gambled with the lives of your customers. Putting money over safety. 

“This is a bad case and one in which you put your love of money over the safety of your clientele.” 

Mark Dawson, of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said: “The hospitality sector will be looking forward to a busy summer period. 

“Those responsible for outdoor spaces need to make sure electrical equipment is in good condition, safe to use and regularly checked.” 

HSE said venues should arrange for a competent person to carry out electrical installation work, only using lights and heaters specifically designed for outdoor use, and regularly check equipment for damage.