Britain’s biggest pub chain has been charged in the death of a student run over in a bar.
Olivia Burt, 20, died in February 2018 after suffering a serious head injury outside Missoula nightclub in Durham.
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Tragic Olivia was in her first year at Durham University to study natural sciences.
Durham County Council has now charged Stonegate Pub Company with four health and safety breaches.
The case is scheduled for March 1 at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.
Nigel and Paula Burt, Olivia’s parents, have unresolved questions about the night their daughter died, but backed the decision to hold the pub accountable.
They said: ‘We don’t understand how our only child died on a night out with friends.
Durham County Council’s Community Protection Officer Joanne Waller acknowledged the action but was unable to give further details.
She said: “We can confirm that we have served a subpoena on Stonegate Pub Company for four counts under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, relating to matters dating from February 2017 to February 2018.
“While the proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
The criminal proceedings will take place before a previously scheduled investigation.
Olivia, who died at the scene despite doctors’ best efforts, was in her first year at Durham University to study natural sciences.
At the time, her emotionally torn parents said they were totally “devastated and heartbroken” by her loss.
They said: “She was a wonderful young woman and our words cannot quite express how much we miss her.”
The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue the manslaughter charges, which led to the council’s action.
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