Bungee offence admitted

Strong winds at last year's West Mid Show caused an inflatable bungee run attraction to move, knocking over young children, a court heard.

Appearing before Oswestry magistrates yesterday Robert Andrew Phinn, 48, of Albert Square, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, admitted an offence under the Health and Safety Act in failing to ensure that people were not exposed to risk at the West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury, on June 22 2008.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 mon-ths and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.

Mrs Hilary Lidbury, prosecuting for the Health and Safety Executive, told the court the attraction was hired by Shropshire County Council's Connexions to entertain older children and teenagers at the showground.

Mr Phinn set up the run and gave instructions to the people operating it. He gave warnings on what to do if it was wet but, it was claimed, did not mention potential dangers if it was windy.

Mr Phinn told the court he had since given up the business but he had always operated with care.