Police searching for man charged with manslaughter

Police are searching for a man who was charged with manslaughter and failed to appear in court.

Peter Clifford, 63, formerly of Holland Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, was due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday in connection with the death of construction worker Dale Baker.

Mr Baker, 30, also from Felixstowe, sustained serious injuries while carrying out renovations on a house in Haughgate Close, Woodbridge, on 15 December 2020. He died at the scene.

Mr Clifford failed to appear at the same court for another previous hearing in March, and now police are appealing to the public for help. He has links to Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and London.

Mr Clifford was charged with gross negligence manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge the employer's general duty under health and safety rules in October last year.

After he failed to appear at court in March, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Police are now appealing for assistance from the public to locate the man who is described as white, 5ft 10in tall, bald with receding hair at the sides and of heavy build.

A judge previously said that if Mr Clifford is arrested, he could be remanded in custody ahead of a future court appearance.

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