Climbing centre admits failings over man's death
Family photographA climbing centre has admitted health and safety failings in relation to a man's death in an indoor cave.
Carl O'Keeffe, 49, from Lancaster, died days after he was trapped for hours in a narrow tunnel at Kong Adventure in Keswick. He was freed with help from specialist cave rescuers on 22 April 2023.
Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, a barrister representing King Kong Climbing Centre entered a guilty plea on behalf of the firm for failing to protect the centre's users from risks.
A date for sentencing is due to be fixed in September. Company director Paul Cornforth had denied a health and safety offence, with prosecutors saying it was "unlikely" they would pursue the case against him.
During a 10-minute long hearing, the climbing firm admitted failing to ensure people using the centre, including Carl O'Keefe, were not exposed to health and safety risks.
Prosecutor Alex Stein said various documents were needed before sentencing could take place, with Judge Robert Adams agreeing to hold a short hearing on 11 September to determine the next date.
In relation to the charge against Cornforth, for which a trial was listed for April 2027, Stein said there were "some hoops to jump through" but it was "unlikely it would be seen to be in the public interest to proceed" once the company's sentencing had occurred.
