Deadly art was unsafe
AN artist blamed for killing two women when a giant inflatable sculpture slipped its moorings and flipped 200ft into the air, broke health and safety rules.
Maurice Agis, 77, was convicted yesterday of failing to ensure the safety of the public exploring his Dreamspace V installation at a park in 2006.
But the jury was unable to reach verdicts on two manslaughter charges, and resumes its deliberations today.
Grandmother Elizabeth Collings, 68, and mother-of-two Claire Furmedge, 38, were killed and 27 others injured when the PVC structure broke free in Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.
The prosecution at Newcastle Crown Court claims there were not enough ropes anchoring the sculpture. Agis, of east London, denies manslaughter.