10:14am Tuesday 8th July 2008
Oakwood theme park has entered a plea of guilty in a prosecution over the death of a teenager who fell to her death at the park over four years ago.
In April 2004 16-year-old Hayley Williams plunged 100 feet from the park's white knuckle Hydro ride, just as it was beginning its almost vertical decent at around 80 mph into the plunge pool below.
She was airlifted to hospital but died from internal injuries.
Another youngster, ten-year-old Martin Rothwell of Swansea also sustained minor injuries in the incident, he was hit by Hayley as she fell.
The prosecution was bought to court by the health and safety executive (HSE) who charged Oakwood Leisure Limited, of Canaston Bridge, Narberth, with a breach of the 1974 Health and Safety Act.
At Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday Hayley's parents watched as the company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that people not in its employment, including both Hayley and Martin, were not exposed to risks to their health and safety under sections three and 33 of the act.
Magistrates have declined jurisdiction and sentencing is due to take place in Swansea Crown Court on August 8th.
The £1.7m Hydro ride was closed for nearly a year after Hayley's death and new safety harnesses introduced at the recommendation of the HSE.
An inquest into the death in May 2006 HM Coroner ruled out a verdict of unlawful killing and the inquest jury recorded a narrative verdict.
The family of the popular Sunday school teacher, who had been visiting the park with family and friends said after the inquest: "She was the most precious and loving of daughters, always smiling and she loved her family and friends dearly.
"Her loss to us has been unbearable and our lives and those of her friends have been shattered."
Patrick McNamara, chief executive of the park before it was sold to European leisure group Aspro, said after the inquest that Hayley's tragic death had "deeply affected and saddened everyone at Oakwood."
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