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Day two of Mount Murray fire trial

Santon man denies three health and safety breaches

A lack of health and safety procedures at the Mount Murray hotel amounted to ‘woefully significant failures’, a court has been told.

And the man who built the complex, the late Albert Gubay, has been described as someone who could be a tyrant in business whose instructions had to be followed.

The comments were made by the defence advocate as the trial of a man accused of causing a blaze at the hotel three years ago began at Douglas Courthouse.

Roofer Roy Cross, who is 64 and from Santon, denies three health and safety breaches.

The prosecution argues he used a blowtorch to dry out plywood which ignited roof tiles in November 2013 and led to the fire.

His counsel says the defendant – who carried out regular work for Mr Gubay - was unaware the complex roof tiles were made from combustible material and that Mr Cross was under considerable pressure to get the job done.

The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.

The trial of a Santon man accused of causing a fire at the Mount Murray hotel  continues today (TUESDAY).

Sixty-four-year-old Roy Cross denies being responsible for three health and safety breaches when the blaze broke out three years ago.

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