In a case that has captivated the English countryside, wealthy landowner Charles Wainwright and his former ballerina wife have been formally cleared of manslaughter following the tragic death of their gardener, who was crushed by a quad bike on their sprawling Gloucestershire estate.
The verdict was delivered at Gloucester Crown Court, bringing to a close an emotionally charged trial that examined the circumstances surrounding the death of 28-year-old Mindaugas Lidelka. The Lithuanian national had been employed as a gardener on the Wainwrights' picturesque Frampton Manor estate.
The Fateful Incident
The court heard how Mr Lidelka became trapped beneath a heavy Honda quad bike while performing maintenance work on the 200-acre property in September 2022. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the young gardener was pronounced dead at the location.
Charles Wainwright, 71, and his wife Penelope, 66, both faced manslaughter charges in connection with the incident. The prosecution had alleged health and safety failures contributed to the tragedy, but the jury found insufficient evidence to support these claims.
A Life of Privilege and Art
The case drew significant attention due to the defendants' prominent social standing. Charles Wainwright comes from a long line of wealthy landowners, while Penelope Wainwright enjoyed a distinguished career as a ballerina with the Royal Ballet before her marriage.
Frampton Manor, their historic estate near Cheltenham, has been in the Wainwright family for generations and represents one of Gloucestershire's most prestigious country properties.
Emotional Courtroom Scenes
As the verdict was announced, visible relief washed over the couple, who have maintained their innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Supporters in the public gallery embraced as the judge formally recorded not guilty verdicts for both defendants.
The trial heard extensive testimony about estate safety protocols and the specific circumstances that led to the quad bike accident. Defence counsel successfully argued that the incident was a tragic accident rather than a case of criminal negligence.
This case highlights the complex relationship between landowners and estate workers in rural Britain, while serving as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers present in country estate management.
