Cave director denies failings over man's death
BBCA company director has pleaded not guilty to alleged health and safety failings following the death of a man who had to be rescued from an indoor cave at a climbing centre.
Carl O'Keeffe, 49, from Lancaster, died days after he was trapped for hours in a narrow tunnel at Kong Adventure in Keswick. He was freed with help from specialist cave rescuers on 22 April 2023.
The company was charged, along with director Paul Cornforth, 63, of Threlkeld Quarry, who appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
Cornforth pleaded not guilty to health and safety charges and a trial date was set for 12 April 2027.
O'Keeffe, who was at the centre for a family birthday party, was reported to have become trapped in a narrow tunnel for several hours before being released by mountain rescue volunteers, caving experts and firefighters.
Climbing wall staff, assisted by visiting climbers, were said to have dismantled sections of the climbing wall to aid access to tunnels hidden behind the wall panels.
Family photographThe company faced one charge of failing to ensure persons not in its employment were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
Cornforth faces a separate charge, brought as part of the same prosecution, of failing to discharge a duty.
Those two charges were put to Cornforth, of Threlkeld, when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
During a 20-minute hearing in front of Her Honour Judge Moreland, Cornforth entered not guilty pleas to both allegations.
Barrister Alex Stein, for Cumberland Council, said there was "no system in relation to what to do if someone was trapped" and there were insufficient escape hatches.
One hatch, 5-6m (16-20ft) above ground, was locked on the day in question, Stein said.
There were further alleged failings with staff training and risk assessment on the caving activity.
Cornforth is next due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court for a further case management hearing on 13th July.
In the meantime he remains on unconditional bail.
