William Hill store indication which killed guy was 'an excellent repair'

8 October 2018

An employee who set up a 31 stone (200kg) indication above a bookmakers which fell and crushed a guy has actually told a court it was "a great fix" when he put it up.

Jacob Marx had been working in London for 4 months when he was crushed by the indication outside a William Hill bookmakers on 28 January 2013.

Carlos Park informed Blackfriars Crown Court the fascia he connected the sign to had actually been "strong".

William Hill Organisation Ltd denies breaching health and wellness.

New Zealand nationwide Mr Marx, 27, suffered a damaged neck and a fractured skull after the indication fell 2m on to him outside the bookmakers in Camden Road.

The court heard Mr Park was working for Saltwell Signs when he fitted the sign in 2006.

He told the jury he had actually got a "great fix" to the plywood fascia when screwing it up.

"The fascia was solid. I can tell when I am taking the screws out (of the old indication)," he stated.

Mr Park stated he brought out a visual inspection of the plywood "to see there is not any rot" however included that the fascia "must be fit for purpose when I show up."

Former Saltwell's factory manager Terrance English told the court the indication fitter was not responsible for examining the structure's structure.

When asked by John Cooper, protecting William Hill, if the fitter had no responsibility for the structure listed below he stated: "Yes, just the fascia, not the structure itself."

William Hill Organisation Ltd denies one count of failing to ensure the security of non-employees and one count of stopping working to make sure the safety of staff members.

The trial continues.

Man killed by 'dangerously insecure' sign

28 September 2018