Pier worker prevented 'disaster'

A section of track was removed and placed next to the pier

A rollercoaster worker hit an emergency stop button to prevent the ride falling through a 16ft gap where a section of track had been removed, a court heard.

Brighton Magistrates' Court was told the Turbo Rollercoaster on Brighton Pier was left dangling over a gap in December 2002 after the incident.

The Brighton Marine Palace and Pier Company admitted failing to ensure the health and safety of ride passengers.

The Tyne-and-Wear-based company will be sentenced at a later date.

He noticed this missing piece of track and realised there might be a disaster looming Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Wood

Barrister Nicholas Wood, prosecuting, told the court a section of track had been removed from the ride for maintenance and placed nearby on the pier.

He said there had not been warning signs or other safeguards warning people not to use the rollercoaster and that no managers were on the scene.

Mr Wood said: "The operator took their tokens and helped them onto the ride.

"As he was moving along the platform, he noticed this missing piece of track and realised there might be a disaster looming, so he hit the emergency stop.

"The ride came to a halt just before the break in the rails.

"The first car did dip slightly over the missing track section."

The Turbo Coaster could carry up to 36 passengers at a time, but only had eight on board at the time of the incident, the court was told.

The pier company pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to ensure the health and safety of persons not in its employment.

The case was sent to Lewes Crown Court for sentencing, to take place at a date in the future yet to be fixed.

The court will have the power to impose an unlimited fine.