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A restaurateur told the Old Bailey today of the night an employee plunged to his death in the Thames after a fancy dress party.
Allegra McEvedy, a chef and co-founder of the Leon restaurant chain, gave evidence in the case of Jay Murillo, 32, who fell off a pleasure cruiser and drowned.
The Mexican, who lived in Southwark, was dressed as a pirate when he fell through a gap between the ship and Westminster Pier while getting off. His body was found five days later.
Captain William Britton, 61, denies manslaughter. It is alleged he exposed his passengers to risk by abandoning his post to go to the bar, and that he failed to make sure the boat was moored properly and the exit gate supervised.
More than 100 people were at the party on 17 August 2008. Ms McEvedy said it was to reward staff.
She told how they had boarded the Hurlingham at Westminster and made a stop at Tower Bridge. There, she decided to step off to make a phone call. “The captain and the first mate were nearby but nobody helped me, although I didn't feel endangered,” she said.
Prosecutor Louis Mably said at the disembarkation at Westminister “Mr Britton ... went inside the boat to the bar. At the vital time the captain had simply gone missing.”
Britton, of Sidcup, claims he delegated supervision to mate Ryan Sandall, 25, who has admitted manslaughter. The trial continues.
