A man has been charged with the manslaughter of Lee Balkwell who was found crushed in the mechanisms of a cement mixer more than 11 years ago.

Dad of-one Lee, 33, was found trapped between the drum and chassis of the vehicle in Baldwin’s Farm, Dennises Lane, Upminster, in the small hours of July 18, 2002.

CPS East of England has also authorised the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate to charge Bromley, 44, with a health and safety breach.

Nick Staite, special casework lawyer in the East of England Complex Casework Unit, said: “Simon Bromley has been charged with one count of manslaughter and one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The offences are alleged to have occurred while Mr Balkwell was working at Baldwin’s Farm, Denisses Lane, Upminster.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for this case to be brought to court.”

Simon Bromley will appear before Basildon Magistrates Court on January 27.

Mr Staite added: “Simon Bromley now stands charged with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.”