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Canterbury men David Connor and Richard Bowler go on trial accused of clingfilm death of P&O Ferries chef Alun Williams in Tower Hamlets, Dover

Two Canterbury men have appeared in court today accused of killing P&O Ferry chef Alun Williams by wrapping him in clingfilm.

Richard Bowler, 35, and David Connor, 23, both of Sturry Road, have each denied two charges of manslaughter.

A jury at Canterbury Crown Court heard that the two are accused of unlawfully killing Mr Williams by wrapping him in clingfilm and plastic.

Richard Bowler (left) was found guilty but David Connor was acquitted. Picture: Mike Gunnill
Richard Bowler (left) was found guilty but David Connor was acquitted. Picture: Mike Gunnill

The charge states that doing so "obviously subjected him to at least the risk of some harm," and that "such wrapping subjected him to bodily harm in the form of dehydration, overheating and stress to his cardiovascular system".

It states that this was the "substantial cause of his death".

Bowler and Connor also face an alternative charge of manslaughter by gross negligence.

Chef Alun Williams was found dead wrapped in clingfilm in Dover
Chef Alun Williams was found dead wrapped in clingfilm in Dover

The charge states: "Having wrapped him in clingfilm and plastic, they owed him a duty of care and they failed to take reasonable steps to ensure he was safe and well".

Prosecutor Ian Hope is expected to outline the Crown's case tomorrow morning but the jury has been told it will involve details of gay websites, including Gaydar and Recon.

A forensics van outside the property in Tower Hamlets, Dover
A forensics van outside the property in Tower Hamlets, Dover

Mr Williams was found dead in a flat above a hairdressers' in East Street, Dover, on August 20 last year.

The 47-year-old - who lived with his girlfriend in Shepherdswell - worked as a chef at P&O Ferries for 30 years and prepared food for passengers on trips between Dover and Calais.


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