Statement on behalf of the seriously injured victims following Merlin Attractions’ guilty plea to charges brought by the HSE

At the North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd pleaded guilty to charges under Section 3 of the Health & Safety at Work Act following the accident that occurred on 2 June 2015 where serious injuries were sustained on the Smiler rollercoaster ride.

Paul Paxton, Partner at Stewarts, which are representing a number of the seriously injured victims, said, on behalf of the families:

“Given that such serious injuries could be sustained on a fun day out, it is hardly surprising that a criminal offence was committed. However, it is comforting for the families that a plea of guilty has been entered rather than the victims having to endure a drawn out trial.

Today is not seen as a victory; the families are not motivated by retribution, but inevitably this guilty plea will be a milestone along the way to psychological rehabilitation. Regrettably the physical recovery will be a lifelong process.

We are all grateful to the Health & Safety Executive for the thoroughness of their investigation and the way in which they have conducted themselves throughout the extensive investigation.”

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Media contact: Lydia Buckingham, Senior Marketing Executive, +44 (0) 20 7822 8134, lbuckingham@stewartslaw.com