A Maryport businessman is one of two people who will appear in a Brighton court tomorrow in connection with the death of local man, Stephen Penrice, who fell from the Eastbourne Pier in August 2014.

Sussex Police said Michael Hawkins, 36, a company director of The Promenade, Maryport, Cumbria, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Paul Dixon, 52, a construction worker of Newton Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and failure to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

They will appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on May 16.

Mr Penrice's employer, MPM North West Ltd, of Victoria Place, Carlisle, has also been charged with two counts of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in respect of the safety of workers on the pier.

Stephen (Penny) Penrice, 44, from Sandy Lonning, was working on the pier after it had been badly damaged by a fire three weeks beforehand.

Mr Penrice was a well-known figure in the town, especially in rugby circles. He was known as a man who always had a smile on his face and would help anyone with no expectations of a favour in return.

Following his death a campaign started in Eastbourne to try and name the rebuilt pier after him. This is still continuing.