Marshalls in court over death of spectator at cycle race

The organisers of the British Downhill Series Mountain Biking event at Llangollen, in which a spectator died after being struck by an out of control cycle, are being prosecuted under Health and Safety laws.

They include race official Michael Marsden, 40, of Gressingham Drive in Lancaster, who is alleged to have failed to conduct the event in such a way that people were not exposed to risk.

It is alleged that he failed to ensure the safety of spectators at the competition and failed to provide marshals with adequate training regarding the safety of spectators.

The final charge alleges that he failed to report the death of Judith Garrett, who had been at the event to watch her boyfriend compete.

Also due to appear before Flintshire Magistrates this morning is race marshall, Kevin Ian Duckworth, 41 ,of Addison Street in Accrington, who is alleged to have failed to ensure that his health and safety duties as a marshal were complied with.

The British Cycling Federation, based in Manchester, is also facing health and safety charges in relation to the death.