'The world has been robbed of a lovely lad': Parents of boy who died at birthday party speak after SnowDome sentenced
The parents of Louis Watkiss have paid tribute to their 'beloved son', saying "the world has been robbed of a lovely lad".
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Louis Watkiss died at Tamworth's SnowDome, having attended a birthday party to go tobogganing.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution at Telford Magistrates Court on Wednesday (February 26) saw SnowDome Ltd of Tamworth fined £100,000 after it pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety law.
The court heard that Louis, who was 12 years old, died on September 24, 2021.
The talented youngster suffered a fatal head injury when his toboggan crashed into a member of Snowdome staff who was on the slope.
The court heard that the company had failed in its duty to protect the public by not ensuring it had measures in place to prevent the tragedy.
Speaking after the sentence was handed down, Louis' parents Natalie and Chris paid tribute to their son, describing a straight A-grade student who was also a talented saxophone player.
The couple thanked the Health and Safety Executive for its work - but said the length of time the case had taken to get to court had taken a significant toll.
Mrs Watkiss said: "We have had to endure this ongoing legal process and constant reminders of what happened to our beloved son throughout this time.
"He leaves behind a legacy of a child that was loved, wanted, and had a whole 70 years ahead of him."
She added: "We will stand strong and ensure that Louis' memory will not be forgotten."
Mr Watkiss said his son was "a lovely lad", adding that he was "talented" and "full of life".
He said: "The world has been robbed of a lovely lad."
Mr Watkiss also said that although he was grateful to the HSE for pursuing the case, he felt let down by the justice system.
He said: "I want to thank the HSE for getting the prosecution even though the fine is ridiculous and is not appropriate for a child's death - I believe it was £116,000 and I think 24p was added on the end.
"The justice system for me, and I never thought I would hear myself say this, is flawed in so many ways, and I think that has just been demonstrated today.
"You don't expect your child to go to a leisure centre, wind up dead, and there be no custodial sentence, if that's the right term - just a fine, slap on the wrists and get on with it."
Speaking following the sentence, Nathan Cook, senior enforcement lawyer for HSE said: “Louis went to a friend’s birthday party at the Snowdome and should have returned home safely to his family after an enjoyable occasion.
“Tragically, due to the failings of Snowdome Limited, this did not happen. Louis’ death could have been prevented if the company had adequately assessed and controlled the risks associated with tobogganing activities.
“This should act as a reminder that venues and employers must ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place and employees are provided with sufficient safe systems of work, information, instructions, training, and supervision."
He added: "Our risk assessment guidance may be more commonly used for workplaces such as factories and construction sites, but the same principles apply for busy venues like indoor ski slopes. The possible risks to people from equipment and the movement of visitors and staff needs to be thought through.
“Our thoughts remain with Louis’ family.”
