Corfu Reps Trial

The family of two children who died on a holiday in Corfu said they were "very disappointed" after a manslaughter trial was delayed until next year. The trial was due to start on Thursday but was adjourned until next February or March after legal applications by the defendants.

Christi Shepherd, seven, and her six-year-old brother Robert, of Horbury, West Yorkshire, died of carbon monoxide poisoning in October 2006.

Their father, Neil Shepherd, and his partner, Ruth Beatson, survived.

Thomas Cook holiday reps Richard Carson, 27, and Nicola Gibson, 25, face charges of manslaughter and negligence.

The defendants, including ten Greeks, are accused of causing manslaughter by negligence in relation to the children.

Thomas Cook said: "We are confident that our colleagues acted properly and should not be blamed in any way.

"We continue to give them our full support and believe they will be vindicated by the court."

Overseas reps in all sectors routinely sign health-and-safety documents about campsites, hotels and other holiday accommodation. Local and national standards for gas, electrical and other potentially harmful services in foreign countries are frequently difficult for a tour operator to work with.

If Carson and Gibson were to be found guilty many would argue that the sytem would collapse with reps and other tour operator employees frightened of signing anything relating to health and safety.

It could be agrued that this would make the safety situation worse not better.