Climbing firm admits health and safety failings in relation to Lancashire man's death
Three years on from a Lancashire man’s tragic death, a new court case is starting to get some answers.
A North West climbing centre has admitted to health and safety failings in relation to a Lancashire man's death.
Carl O'Keeffe from Lancaster died 10 days after he was trapped for hours in a narrow tunnel at Kong Adventure in Keswick.
The 49-year-old was with four children at the climbing centre when he slipped and became stuck.
After more than four hours, Carl was rescued by mountain rescue volunteers, caving experts and firefighters on April 22 2023 but unfortunately died in hospital from his injuries on April 30
A barrister representing King Kong Climbing Centre appeared at Newcastle Crown Court onm Monday and entered a guilty plea on behalf of the firm for failing to protect the centre's users from risks.
During the brief hearing- known as a ‘mention to fix’- the climbing firm admitted failing to ensure people using the centre, including Carl O'Keefe, were not exposed to health and safety risks.
The case was adjourned until September 11, at which point a date for sentencing will be fixed.
Company director Paul Cornforth had previously denied a health and safety offence and his trial has been listed for April 2027.
Kong Adventure, Keswick is based on Heads Road and it opened in October 2014.
The centre, which offers indoor rock climbing and various outdoor activites, has remained open since the tragic accident three years ago.
They have been approached for comment.