BREAKING NEWS: Guilty verdict in Warwick Castle trial

THE company running Warwick Castle has been found guilty on two counts of failing to protect visitors, four years after a man fell from a bridge at the tourist attraction.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Apr 2012, 15:32 BST

In a trial which began last Monday, Warwick District Council prosecuted Merlin Attractions, which has run the castle since 1978, on two charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Berkswell man George Frederick Townley sustained fatal injuries when he fell into the dry moat from the castle’s Bear and Clarence bridge 15ft after apparently stumbling on December 9, 2007.

Merlin was accused of failing to take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent or protect visitors from falling and failing to provide a barrier to protect visitors from falling from the bridge.

It denied the charges, but was found guilty at Warwick Crown Court today (Tuesday April 24).

A possible fine has yet to be determined.

• Visit the Courier website for updates.

Warwick District Council Bear