THE boss of a furniture company from Burnley has been warned he could face jail after an unsafe cot nearly caused the death of two young children.

Philip Dickens, 38, was told he could face a 12-month sentence or a fine of up to £20,000 after The Nutkin three-drawer cot bed was blamed for incidents where two youngsters ‘came very close to very serious harm or death’.

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Dickens, of Underley Street, admitted two offences of supplying unsafe products, one as a company director and one on behalf of his Buckinghamshire-based firm Baumhaus.

Alex Greenwood, prosecuting the case on behalf of Buckinghamshire Trading Standards, told Aylesbury Crown Court that Baumhaus and its director had been neglectful.

He added: “As a result, three individuals received that product and used it. In the case of two children they came very close to very serious harm and/or death.

“They placed it on the market and it was subsequently supplied and the incidents occurred.”

Entering pleas on the company’s behalf, Dickens admitted to two charges between January 2010 and July 2013.

Mr Greenwood added: “This is a small company. He is the director. Anything that has been done is attributable to his neglect.”

Judge Karen Holt told Dickens they were ‘serious’ offences.

“You know what happened to those two young children,” said Judge Holt.

“All options ought to be considered.”

Dickens was released on bail to return for sentencing on April 13.

In his profile on the company’s website, Dickens is said to be a keen sailor, golfer and motorsport fan, who describes himself as ‘the king of DIY’.

The cot itself, which was sold for around £500 at the time, was withdrawn from the market after the consumer watchdog Which? highlighted several problems with it in December 2013.

Several potential hazards were identified with the bed, including the risk of children trapping their head and neck in the gaps at the top, children’s clothes could get caught on the sides of the bed where there is a snagging hazard, a child’s legs or arms could become trapped between the end slat of the drop-down side of some products sold, and a children’s fingers could become caught in the drill holes.

The hardwood bed was said to have been suitable for children aged up to 12 years as it ‘transforms easily from cot into stunning sleigh bed’.

In their advertisements Bamhaus claimed the cot was ‘’extremely versatile’ and could be set to three different heights.