Pair face manslaughter charge after bouncy castle death of girl, 7
THE horrific death of a “loving little girl” when the bouncy castle she was on blew away was manslaughter, a court has heard.
Summer Grants death when a bouncy castle blew away was 'manslaughter,' a court heard
Summer Grant, seven, was playing on the inflatable castle when it was swept “some distance” in high winds at a funfair in Harlow, Essex, on March 26 last year.
Summer, of Norwich, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Harlow’s Princess Alexandra hospital where she died a few hours later.
'Loving' Summer was playing on a bouncy castle when it was 'swept some distance' in wind
Fairground workers Shelby Thurston, 25, and William Thurston, 28, appeared at Chelmsford magistrates court on Monday.
The pair, of Wilburton, Cambridgeshire, are jointly accused of manslaughter and failing to discharge health and safety duties.
Bright, beautiful and most loving little girl
They did not enter pleas and were released on unconditional bail to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 16.
The two accused spoke only to confirm their names and that they lived at the same address.
Friends and family of Summer attended the two-minute hearing. Her mother Cara said soon after her death that she was “truly heartbroken” at the loss of her “bright, beautiful and most loving little girl”.
Shelby Thurston and William Thurston are charged with manslaughter
Detectives are continuing their inquiries and are trying to trace a witness described as a young black youth who was near the rides at the time of the tragedy.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101.