Contractor pleads guilty over Ward death

Prisoner transport contractor G4S Custodial Services Pty Ltd has pleaded guilty to failing to prevent the heatstroke death of Warburton elder Mr Ward more than three years ago.

G4S and three other parties appeared in the Kalgoorlie Magistrate’s Court today to face charges relating to the death under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Mr Ward, 46, died in custody of heatstroke in January 2008 after being transported inside a G4S van.

The WA Director of Public Prosecutions ruled out criminal charges against G4S, the van’s two drivers, Graham Powell and Nina Stokoe, and the State Government last year.

But WorkSafe WA laid charges against the four parties in January because the van is a workplace under the Act.

G4S is expected to be sentenced on June 3 and faces a maximum fine of $400,000 for failing to ensure the safety and health of Mr Ward, causing his death.

The State Government is scheduled for a technical debate over the wording of its charge on May 5.