Tim Pole of No5 Barristers’ Chambers led for the prosecution at Carlisle Crown Court when the boss of an obstacle course pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches.
One female competitor suffered a fractured neck and was left with “life-changing” injuries at the inaugural Gelt Gladiator endurance challenge in May 2015, while a man sustained a broken collarbone. Three other participants were left with broken or dislocated lower limbs.
After admitting being responsible for a catalogue of errors, Director Mike James received a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years. He must complete 250 hours’ unpaid work, observe a 15-week night-time curfew and pay £20,000 costs.
Major safety changes have since been made at the venue and there have been no recorded injuries or incidents at the 2016 and 2017 events.
Tim Pole is a member of the Regulatory and Licensing group at No5 and has a wealth of experience in dealing with regulatory offences. In 2012 he was appointed to the list of Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety, Environmental Law and the Office of Rail Regulation. He regularly trains health and safety inspectors in relation to case preparation and presentation.
Follow the link to read a report of the trial on the BBC.
