TWO top scientists at a high security MoD site will face trial at the Old Bailey next year.
The pair, who both worked at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Fort Halstead, near Orpington, are accused of being responsible for the death of another work colleague who died after an explosion in 2002.
Robert Weighill, aged 56, from Sevenoaks, and former head of the laboratory Maurice Marshall OBE, from Tunbridge Wells, are charged with the unlawful killing of Terry Jupp.
Mr Jupp, 46, from Hertfordshire, was fatally wounded in an explosion at an MoD site in Shoeburyness, Essex, in August 2002.
He suffered up to 90-per-cent burns and died six days later from septicaemia.
The two scientists were charged following an investigation by MoD police and the Health and Safety Executive.
They appeared at the Old Bailey last week but have still to enter a plea.
The court was told the MoD is having to supply safes for the defence barristers' chambers to hold sensitive papers from the case.
Both men were granted bail until their trial, which starts on February 20 next year and is expected to last six weeks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article