A young boy was killed because the Trafford Centre opened before it was safe, magistrates have heard.
Samuel Adams, 6, died when an unsupported 18-stone balustrade fell and crushed him as he and other children danced in an unrestricted area of the centre on 10 October 1998.
Prosecutors from Trafford council accused the Centre of breaching health and safety laws and failing to protect the public. Mike Butterworth, a director, pleaded guilty on the operator’s behalf.
Andrew Long, prosecuting, said the child’s death was “a direct consequence” of the centre opening before it was safe.
Samuel’s mother Dawn Adams told the Manchester Evening News: “After spending millions on the complex, the Trafford Centre overlooked the most important thing, which is the health and safety of its visitors.”
The case was committed to the Crown Court, where sentencing will take place on 16 March.
EGi News 07/02/00
