Alton Towers Smiler crash: Owners Merlin in court over health and safety breaches
Alton Towers bosses have appeared in court again in relation to the Smiler crash as a sentencing date was confirmed.
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd had previously pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches for the incident on June 2 last year which left five people seriously hurt, including two people who had to have a leg amputated.
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Prosecutor Bernard Thorogood, speaking for the Health and Safety Executive, told Stafford Crown Crown today 'substantial' progress had been made since the last hearing in April at the same court.
The company has since provided a 'basis of plea' and Mr Thorogood said the HSE were now content to make its final submissions before sentencing which has been scheduled for two days on September 26 and 27.
However the prosecutor said they were still awaiting medical evidence in relation to the victims which is dependent on separate civil cases they are pursuing against Merlin.
Mr Thorogood added the defence had cooperated 'exceptionally' throughout the case so far.
He also revealed the victims of the crash had already expressed their intention to attend the sentencing.
At the last hearing District Judge Jack McGarva warned Merlin may be ordered to pay a 'very large' fine.
