00:00A sombre start to the day as the court tries to unpick what went wrong at Hillcrest Primary
00:08School three years ago. How a jumping castle was thrown into the sky by southern and intense
00:14winds. Why six children were killed and why three were seriously injured. An inflatables
00:20expert giving evidence in the Devonport Magistrates Court for the third day. Agreeing with the
00:26defence that even if eight industry standard pegs had been used, it's possible the castle
00:31still would have become airborne. Roderick Macdonald previously told the court if eight
00:36star pickets were used, the tragedy could have been avoided. The castle's operator,
00:41Rosemary Ann Gamble, trading as TasZorb, has pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with
00:47a health and safety duty. The crux of the case against Ms Gamble is the castle's anchorage.
00:53The prosecution alleging she only secured it at half the tether points. Her defence
00:58argues she only received four pegs when she bought the castle. But Mr Macdonald told the
01:03court receiving a castle with eight anchors, but only half the pegs, should have raised
01:08concerns for Ms Gamble.
01:10If I bought a car and it only turned up with two wheels, that would be a problem, he said.
01:16Also saying even if Ms Gamble had set up the castle more than 100 times without issue,
01:22that didn't ensure safety. Smooth seas don't make the good sailors, he said.
01:28Today the prosecution's case closed, meaning the defence is now steering the proceedings.
01:34It's expected the hearing will wrap up on Friday, but families may not hear a verdict
01:38until next year.
Comments