NEWCASTLE, UK (16 Apr 2007) -- A holidaymaker who had to have his leg amputated after a diving accident last night vowed to sue a Northumberland diving company. Wheelchair-bound Michael Ward, 40, was diving off Blue Caps Reef near the Farne Islands when he had his leg sliced by a propeller. His left leg had to be amputated. He now wears a false limb and has to use an electric wheelchair to move around. Newcastle Crown Court yesterday heard skipper Christopher Wilson admit he did not have a certificate allowing him to operate diving trips, yet had taken the boat, Sovereign II, out on August 13, 2005. The court heard Wilson, 42, had also captained boats 12 times in July without a valid certificate. Wilson, of Main Street, North Sunderland, Seahouses, Northumberland, was due to stand trial charged with operating a vessel in such a manner as to cause serious injury and failing to do his duty to ensure the boat operated in a safe manner. He, along with co-accused Andrew and Toby Douglas, the directors of Sovereign Diving, denied the charges, and prosecutor Tim Gittins said expert evidence would not be able to conclusively prove either allegation before a jury. Wilson, Douglas and Douglas of Main Street, North Sunderland, Seahouses, all admitted failing to comply to the relevant code of practice - known in maritime circles as the Yellow Code. Mr Gittins, appearing on behalf of the Maritime Coastguard Agency which brought the prosecution, said he would offer no evidence on the other charges, but added that this "tragic accident" could yet be contested in a civil court. Judge John Evans added: "The burden of proof in a criminal court is much higher than in a civil court, and anything I say should not hinder a civil claim. | | Michael Ward must use a wheelchair to move around after his leg was sliced off by the Sovereign II dive boat, owned and operated by Sovereign Divers in Northumberland. "There is no getting away from it that this is a very great tragedy." Married Mr Ward, from the Midlands, said outside court he would be looking to sue Sovereign Diving. His wife Marie added: "We do feel the justice system has too many loopholes in it." Christopher Knox, representing Sovereign Diving, said the firm was a small family company which would be ruined by any substantial financial punishment, and previously had a faultless record. Judge Evans adjourned sentencing until Friday so he could read and consider references the defence will present to him. SOURCE - The JournalSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba ForumCDNN Related NewsUK - Dive boat cuts off scuba diver's leg |
