Partner charged over Windermere boat deaths

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-27804604

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The partner of a woman who died with her daughter after falling ill on a boat in the Lake District, has been charged with their manslaughter.

Kelly Webster, 36, and Lauren Thornton, 10, of Leyland, Lancashire, were found suffering from breathing difficulties on the boat on Windermere last year.

An inquiry found they were killed by generator fumes.

Ms Webster's partner Matthew Eteson, 40, also from Leyland, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.

Family support

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch report found fumes from a detached generator had filled the privately-owned boat on 1 April last year.

Mr Eteson, 40 was taken to hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, but later released.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "We, along with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, began a joint investigation and a file of evidence was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"The family of Kelly and Lauren have been supported by officers throughout the investigation and have been kept informed at each stage. They continue to receive this support from officers at this time."

Mr Eteson will appear before South Lakeland Magistrates Court on 18 June.