William Hill store indication which eliminated guy was 'a good repair'

8 October 2018

An employee who set up a 31 stone (200kg) indication above a bookies which fell and squashed a guy has told a court it was "an excellent fix" when he put it up.

Jacob Marx had been operating in London for four months when he was squashed by the indication outside a William Hill bookmakers on 28 January 2013.

Carlos Park informed Blackfriars Crown Court the fascia he connected the sign to had actually been "strong".

William Hill Organisation Ltd rejects breaching health and wellness.

New Zealand national Mr Marx, 27, suffered a damaged neck and a fractured skull after the indication fell 2m on to him outside the bookies in Camden Road.

The court heard Mr Park was working for Saltwell Signs when he fitted the check in 2006.

He told the jury he had got a "great fix" to the plywood fascia when screwing it up.

"The fascia was strong. I can tell when I am taking the screws out (of the old indication)," he stated.

Mr Park said he performed a visual inspection of the plywood "to see there is not any rot" however included that the fascia "ought to be fit for purpose when I turn up."

Former Saltwell's factory supervisor Terrance English told the court the indication fitter was not responsible for examining the building's structure.

When asked by John Cooper, safeguarding William Hill, if the fitter had no obligation for the structure listed below he said: "Yes, simply the fascia, not the structure itself."

William Hill Organisation Ltd rejects one count of failing to ensure the security of non-employees and one count of failing to guarantee the safety of staff members.

the yohaig code trial continues.

Man eliminated by 'dangerously insecure' sign

28 September 2018