THE managing director of a North Yorkshire central heating firm has appeared before York Crown Court in connection with the death of one of his employees.

Mark Anthony Flintoft’s firm, Northallerton Heating Centre, of Darlington Road, Northallerton, is charged with the corporate manslaughter of Luke Crocher, 24.

Mr Crocher died on April 5, 2018, while working for the company in Bishop Monkton, Ripon.

Mr Flintoft, 58, of Crosby Road, Northallerton, is charged with breaching health and safety regulations in connection with the death.

Neither defendant was asked to enter a plea to the charge they faced.

The Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris, after consulting with Leeds Crown Court, ordered that the two defendants stand trial at Leeds Crown Court from September 7.

He also ordered them to have a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court on March 16.

Mr Flintoft was released on unconditional bail.