No security fence at death quarry

Amber Worth was struck on the head by a large rock

A South Yorkshire quarry where a girl was crushed to death had no security fence or warning signs because they kept being stolen, an inquest heard.

Thirteen-year-old Amber Worth was struck on the head by a large rock when she fell into the quarry in Grimethorpe, near Barnsley, last April.

The Sheffield inquest heard fencing was taken as quickly as it was replaced.

An engineering expert said the state of the boundary failed to meet regulations in terms of deterring trespassers.

Chartered mining engineer John Carlon told Sheffield Coroner's Court he believed a traditional stock-proof fence of wire mesh topped with barbed wire would have been enough to meet the Quarry Regulations.

'Low' risk

The court heard how Amber, from Brierley, near Barnsley, and five friends had headed into the quarry by sliding down steps cut into the face.

The site had been a haunt for local children for many years, the jury was told.

Amber had been in the area for about 15 to 20 minutes when the three-foot (0.91m) wide, half-tonne block of sandstone fell on her. She died instantly.

Mr Carlon told the court how he had carried out inspections of the works at the quarry since 1999.

He said he believed stockpiles of sandstone blocks were stable in 99.9% of cases and added: "I would be quite happy to have walked over that stockpile."

But coroner Chris Dorries put it to the engineer that despite the risk of rock fall being very small, the consequences of any such fall would be very serious.

Mr Carlon replied: "It would be serious injury or it would be death, yes."

The hearing continues.