Warwick Castle firm fined after man died falling into moat
The company that runs Warwick Castle has been fined £350,000 after a man fell from a bridge and died.
George Townley, of Berkswell, Solihull, fell 13ft (4m) from the Bear & Clarence Bridge into a dry moat in 2007.
A post-mortem examination revealed although he suffered a heart attack, he died from head injuries.
Merlin Attractions were unanimously found guilty at Warwick Crown Court of failing to protect the health and safety of visitors.
The company was also ordered to pay costs of £145,000.
Divisional Environmental Health Officer at Warwick District Council Rob Chapleo said: "Mr Townley's fatal accident was foreseeable and would not have occurred if Merlin had undertaken a suitable and sufficient risk assessment."
He said barriers would have prevented Mr Townley falling in.
Warwick Castle said it was disappointed at the outcome of the hearing and that it would review the findings of the case to decide what further action it needed to take.