Director pleads not guilty over speed event death

News imageKryssie Chittenden A man wearing black and red bike leathers and a helmet sits on his red motorcycle at an event, with cars in the background.Kryssie Chittenden
Martin McConnell, pictured at the event in July 2023, was nominated for a Pride of Britain award in 2018

A company director has pleaded not guilty to breaching health and safety law following the death of an Army veteran who crashed at a motorbike speed event.

Martin McConnell, died at the event at Tibenham Airfield in Norfolk on 23 July 2023, where riders attempt to reach speeds of 200mph and above.

Matthew Flynn, 54, from Suffolk, denied the charges relating to the event, organised by his company Terminal Velocity Events Limited.

Flynn, of Wash Lane in Onehouse, appeared at Norwich Crown Court, and a trial date has been set for 21 June 2027.

He denied failing to undertake measures to ensure persons were not exposed to health and safety risks, between April 2020 and July 2023.

The prosecution is being brought by South Norfolk Council.

News imageEvelyn Simak/Geograph Hangars with small planes located inside can be seen in the distance, in front of a grass surface.Evelyn Simak/Geograph
The speed event was being held at Tibenham Airfield, near Long Stratton

McConnell, who served with the Royal Corps of Transport, founded ExForces PTSD in 2015 and was nominated for a Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain award in 2018.

The organisation raised money for military charities and funded holidays for families affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Following the death, Terminal Velocity Events stopped putting on speed events at Tibenham.

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.