Four companies charged with health and safety breaches in relation to the death of a ten-year-old boy in Reading have appeared in court.

Kaden Reddick died after a display queue barrier fell on top of him in Topshop in February 2017.

Last week, barristers representing Arcadia Group Ltd, Topshop/ Top Man Ltd, Realm Projects Ltd and Stoneforce Ltd met in court for a pre-trial hearing where legal matters were discussed.

READ MORE: Heartbroken family pay tribute to boy who died in Topshop

The prosecution and lawyers for the companies will meet again on September 29 to iron out more legal issues before the trial gets underway.

An inquest held in March 2020 heard how Kaden, from Burghfield, had been in the store with his mother, grandmother and two siblings after a family trip to the cinema, when the tragedy struck.

He had been spotted swinging on the store’s queue barrier just minutes before it toppled on top of him, hitting him in the head.

READ MORE: Companies charged over Topshop boy's death 

The inquest jury decided that although the 180 kg queue barrier was “inadequately fastened,” the considered conclusion was accidental death.

Kaden’s mother Lisa Mallett said during the inquest that her son was a “loving, cheeky and energetic child.”

She added: “Kaden was a very special little boy, he was a loving, cheeky, energetic child. A wonderful son, brother and friend to many and is greatly missed by all who knew him.

“Kaden doted on his siblings and loved creating memories with them, no matter what activity they were doing. He loved his adventures, whether it was playing in the woods or his family holidays abroad.

“Kaden was kind, considerate and would always take care of those smaller than him, though had his own mind and knew what he wanted out of life.”

Arcadia Group Ltd, Topshop/ Top Man Ltd, Realm Projects Ltd and Stoneforce Ltd were charged with health and safety breaches in September 2020 following the inquest.

READ MORE: Boy's Topshop death ruled an 'accident'

The charges were brought by Reading Borough Council. 

The first court hearing involving the companies was heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court in November 2020 before another hearing at Reading Crown Court in December 2020 where a trial date was set for 10 January 2022.

Presiding over the case at Reading Crown Court, Judge Heather Norton reaffirmed her expectation the trial will take place on this date.

It is expected to last for ten weeks.

The companies appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday, July 23.