Hillcrest jumping castle operator Rosemary Gamble pleads not guilty to health and safety charge - ABC News

Hillcrest jumping castle operator Rosemary Gamble leaves court in Devonport.(ABC News: Bec Pridham)

The operator of a jumping castle that killed six children after becoming airborne has pleaded not guilty to a related safety charge in a northern Tasmanian court in front of grieving families.

In December 2021, Hillcrest Primary School students Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Chace Harrison died, and another three children were injured, after a jumping castle was lifted into the air by a gust of wind.

On Friday, at the Devonport Magistrates Court, the jumping castle operator, Rosemary Anne Gamble, who traded as Taz-Zorb, pleaded not guilty to a failure to comply with health and safety duty.

Jumping castle victims, from top left: Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt.(ABC News/Supplied)

In its complaint, seen by the ABC, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) claims Ms Gamble and two other workers only tethered the jumping castle at four of the eight required anchor points, despite having enough pegs available on the day.

It also alleges the pegs were not installed at the recommended 45-degree angle.

It further claims workers did not receive the necessary information, training, instruction and supervision to properly set up the jumping castle.

It alleges those actions exposed the children to "a risk of serious injury or death".

Georgie Burt, mother of Zane Mellor, yelled at Ms Gamble as she left the court.( ABC News: Luke Bowden )

As Ms Gamble's plea was delivered, Georgie Burt — mother of victim Zane Mellor — wrapped her arms around herself.

She yelled a profanity at Ms Gamble as she and other families exited the courtroom.

Zane Mellor died in the jumping castle incident at Hillcrest Primary School.( ABC News: Luke Bowden )

Ms Gamble is next due to appear before the court next month.

At that next session, Ms Gamble's lawyer will indicate whether expert evidence will be pursued, and if they have any witness issues.

Magistrate Duncan Fairley said he was mindful that "significant" time had passed since the school tragedy, and was eager for the trial to commence soon.

LoadingLoading...

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiaGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDI0LTAyLTAyL3Rhcy1oaWxsY3Jlc3QtanVtcGluZy1jYXN0bGUtb3BlcmF0b3ItdGF6LXpvcmItaW4tY291cnQvMTAzNDE4NDkw0gEoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwMzQxODQ5MA?oc=5

2024-02-02 00:15:24Z
CBMiaGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDI0LTAyLTAyL3Rhcy1oaWxsY3Jlc3QtanVtcGluZy1jYXN0bGUtb3BlcmF0b3ItdGF6LXpvcmItaW4tY291cnQvMTAzNDE4NDkw0gEoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwMzQxODQ5MA

Bagikan Berita Ini