Mr Victor Lusher, of Heywood road in Harrogate, has been handed a suspended jail sentence by Harrogate Magistrates (6 May 2015)
He was given a 26 week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months (2 x 13 week), ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid community service, and ordered to pay £9,948.74 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge. Mr Lusher also voluntarily signed over ownership of the inflatable slide to Harrogate Borough Council.
Mr Lusher was found guilty of two offenses under the Health and Safety at Work Act following a two day hearing at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Tuesday 31 March and Wednesday 1 April 2015.
The offenses are:
- Failing to ensure the safety of members of the public
- Failing to maintain the slide in good repair
The conviction and sentencing follows an incident that took place on Sunday, 28 April, 2013 at Ripley Cricket Club.
Mr Lusher was operating an inflatable slide which had been inadequately tethered to the ground. The slide broke free from its anchors hitting several people. Following the incident four people required hospital treatment.
Civil claims for compensation are continuing.