Criminal charges for Wayne Vickery's death

In a statement from the Vickery family, wife Fiona Vickery states that news that charges have been laid is not unexpected. When the inquest was postponed in May 2014 it was clear that it was due to pending charges.  

"It has now been 32 months since Wayne died,  how much longer do ALL the people impacted by my husband's death have to wait before they can move on, how many of the recommendations made by (the report done on the ACT construction industry deaths) are being implemented?" Mrs Vickery said.

"If safe work practices and procedures are not in place and monitored how has anything changed in 32 months? I do not want anyone else involved in the construction industry to suffer the stress anxiety and heartbreak that Wayne's family, work mates and employer have had to endure. There is still no end in sight."

The company will be prosecuted for failing to comply with a safety duty recklessly causing serious harm. This carries with it a maximum penalty of seven years jail and a $14,000 fine, the ACT Coroners Court heard yesterday.

An alternative charge of negligently causing serious harm had also been laid. A summons indicating that the company is required to appear on October 3, 2014, the date that would have been Wayne's 48th birthday, 35 months after his wife and two children lost him.

The charges mean the inquest into Mr Vickery's death must now be put on hold. Chief Coroner Lorraine Walker adjourned the matter until February for mention.

Fiona Vickery said that her and her family would like the process to be finalised, however given the charges this will not be happening soon.

"My feeling in relation to the charges are mixed. On one hand I don't want anyone to lose their jobs, as Wayne work mates are still doing it tough. On the other hand I don't want anyone to die due to unsafe work practices."

The Yass Valley community express their continuing support for the Vickery family.