THE victim of a fairground accident has condemned as "ridiculous" a £5,000 fine imposed on the owners of a ride which, she claims, could have killed her.

Susan Burrows, of Boughey Street, Leigh, was badly injured last year when a lap bar on the Miami Trip ride suddenly opened at the Silcock's Fair on Leigh Road throwing her 20 feet, causing her pelvis to break. She spent two months in hospital.

Nottingham UK Ltd, of Ilkeston, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty at Leigh Magistrates to a charge brought by the Health & Safety Executive, and they were also ordered to pay £2,412 costs.

The court heard that the firm contravened a safety act in that it did not ensure the equipment was safe at all times.

Susan is now suing the ride makers through her solicitors.

Now 18, the former packer says she is now unable to work because of the accident which has left her with an occasional limp.

She told The Journal: "I think the £5,000 fine is ridiculous. It should, in my opinion, have been a lot more. That ride could have killed me and the other girls who were on it with me. If I hadn't had my padded jacket on at the time I would have been even more seriously hurt.

"As it is I have now lost my job and I can't work due to the injury. I was on crutches for two months and I have been told by the hospital that I could suffer from arthritis in later life and I still have to do gentle exercises at home to get back to some sort of fitness. I also still have to go to the hospital once a year for a checkup."

Mr Michael Salt, prosecuting at court, listed "a catalogue of defects" with the mechanical, electrical and locking systems of the ride, which could carry 18 people.

He added that the company had accepted a number of recommendations to make the ride safer.

Mr Peter Burns, counsel for the company, said a locking system involving a safety bar had failed. It was the first time it had failed and it was not as good as it should have been.

He added that the company had called in engineers to make its own investigation and make recommendations. All owners of the ride had been informed of the recommendations to prevent it happening again.

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