The trial of the first corporate manslaughter prosecution will take place on February 23, 2010, at Bristol Crown Court.

Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings has been charged with offences under the Corporate Manslaughter Act and section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work following the death of a junior geologist, Alexander Wright, on September 5, last year.

Wright was crushed to death when the sides of an excavated pit collapsed while he was collecting soil samples.

In addition to the charges levelled against the company, director Peter Eaton has also been charged with common law manslaughter and an offence under section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act relating to his consent and neglect as a director to the commission of an offence by the company.

Counsel indicated not guilty pleas would be entered and the trial is expected to last up to six weeks.