Man charged after waterfall death

Laura McDairmant died after falling onto rocks near the waterfall

A man has appeared in court following the death of a girl who fell on rocks above a waterfall in southern Scotland.

Richard Farrell, 28, of Ringford, near Castle Douglas, has been charged under a section of the Health and Safety Act.

Laura McDairmant, 15, of Wetheral, near Carlisle, died after the fall in July 2006 at the Galloway Forest Park near Newton Stewart.

Mr Farrell made no plea or declaration at Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court and the case was continued.

He is alleged to have had a group of children in his care and control at the Grey Mare's Tale burn at Black Loch, Glentrool, when one of them attempted to jump over a gorge but did not make it.

Laura died in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in July 2006 after suffering serious head injuries.

She had been airlifted after falling onto rocks at Black Loch.

She was one of a group of teenagers taking part in an outdoor pursuit activity course.

Investigations were later carried out by Dumfries and Galloway Police and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.