Two men from a Chester-based trampoline business have been handed fines and costs totalling £72,800 for health and safety offences.
The sentence was passed on the basis the two defendants were negligent rather than committing deliberate acts or cost cutting at the expense of safety.
Judge Michael Leeming said: “There’s no evidence the company took any steps at all, including reasonably practical ones to reduce or eliminate those risks."
At least 270 accidents were recorded:
11 casualties suffered significant spinal fractures and four needed surgery (some on an emergency basis).
123 related to knee-to-face contacts resulting in dental damage as well as cuts and bruises to the face, including nose bleeds; other injuries were also significant, including broken ribs.
David Elliott Shuttleworth, 33, was fined £6,500, plus £50,000 costs, and Matthew Melling, 33, was fined £6,300, plus £10,000 costs. Both were also ordered to do 250 hours of unpaid work. Previously, in October 2023, each pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to Sections 3 and 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, for failing to prevent exposure to risk at Chester Crown Court.
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