Football club admits failures following death

Posted: July 26, 2014

Posted in: Public Place Accidents Sporting Injuries Wrongful & Accidental Death 

Caersws Football Club has pleaded guilty for the safety failures that led to the death of a 12-year-old boy.  Casey Breese had been playing football with some friends when the metal goalpost fell on him and subsequently crushed him to death.  The accident happened in July 2011, after which the club initially denied charges until they changed their plea on Wednesday.

Casey had been playing football with four friends when the accident happened.  He had been in goals and had tried to save the ball when the net got caught on his foot, pulling the entire goalpost onto his back.  He was immediately airlifted to hospital but died shortly after.

Admitted to their failings

The inquest held in October 2012 saw the jury conclude that the death had been accidental, as unsuitable equipment had been used on the football field.  They said that “freestanding posts” were only safe when pegged to the ground.  Initially denying the charges, a few members from the FC’s committee appeared in court and admitted to their failings on Wednesday. 

Even though the posts did not directly belong to the club, they frequently used them for training purposes.  Therefore, it was their responsibility to ensure that they were safe.  It was heard in court, that not only were the goalposts unsafe due to not being pegged in, but the posts themselves did not meet British Standards.

Caersws FC issued a statement conveying their sympathies for Casey’s family “and their loss following this sad and tragic accident.”

If you have suffered an injury in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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