Support workers who had been on trial accused of failing to take care of a teenager who drowned at Bawsey Pits, near King’s Lynn, have today been found not guilty.

Umar Balogun, 16, drowned whilst on a trip to a former sand quarry on July 16, 2013, accompanied by support workers Vanda Cawley and Kevin Roweth.

Mrs Cawley, 51, of Hazel Croft, Werrington and Mr Roweth, 29, of Edinburgh Drive, Wisbech, had entered not guilty pleas to a charge of failing to take reasonable care of his safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

A trial at King’s Lynn Crown Court started on January 9 but finished today after the jury returned not guilty verdicts on the pair.

Mrs Cawley and Mr Roweth were employed as support workers by Castle Homes Ltd of Kettering which pleaded guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act at a previous hearing.

The company, which has admitted failing in their duty to ensure the health and safety of Mr Balogun, and another youngster, in their care, will be sentenced in March.