Rollercoaster death firm cleared

A theme park has been cleared of blame after a teenage worker was thrown 50ft to his death from a rollercoaster.

Mark Blackwood, 18, from Kilmarnock, came off the ride known as The Rat at Loudoun Castle Theme Park, in Galston, Ayrshire, in July 2007.

It was alleged operator Parkware had breached health and safety laws by failing to provide proper information, training and supervision for employees.

But a jury cleared the Kent firm of the charges at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

The court heard the teenager, who had mild cerebral palsy, was operating the ride for the first time and witnesses described him as appearing "anxious".

After a two-week trial the jury found the operator not guilty of failing to provide proper training and supervision.