TT deaths verdict: with updates as received
thewitch
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TT deaths verdict: with updates as received
Please note: The posts below are from the media. As far as I am aware they are factually accurate, and I have not amended them in any way. I will add new information as I get it. I hope eventually to have the full finding, and, if it is permitted, I will post that in full.

"A BLISTERING attack on race management was delivered by Coroner of Inquests Michael Moyle as verdicts of misadventure were recorded at the inquest into the deaths of three people killed in last year's Senior race day tragedy.

Last week, a three-day inquest was held into the deaths of TT competitor Marc Ramsbotham, 34, of Norfolk, and spectators Dean Jacob, 33, of Kidderminster, and Gregory John Kenzig, 52, of Australia.

They died following the accident at the 26th Milestone on June 8 last year.

Delivering his verdicts, Mr Moyle launched the attack on race officials, marshals and the Department of Transport.

'Members of the public may be astonished not only at the number of failings but the gravity of them,' said Mr Moyle.

He said there had been 'considerable and wholesale failings in the system designed to ensure the safety of spectators was paramount'.

Mr Moyle said he regretted that he was far from impressed with a considerable number of witnesses who gave evidence to the inquest, accusing them of being 'defensive', 'passing the parcel of blame' and failing to accept facts that were 'blindingly obvious'.

He said if the prohibited area at the 26th Milestone had been properly marshalled and properly closed off spectators would not have beenin that area and 'their lives would have been spared'.

He said he had no powers to ban race officials and marshals but he said he hoped they would 'do the decent and honourable thing' and not play any significant role in the future of racing. Mr Moyle read a list of those people he was referring to – Among those Mr Moyle was referring to were chief marshal Roger Hurst and former clerk of the course Neil Hanson.

Turning to the part played by the DoT in the tragedy he said: 'If the DoT had deliberately set out to make themselves a laughing stock they could not have done a better job of it.'

During last week's hearing, Mr Moyle heard there was confusion about whether the area around the 26th Milestone should have had signs prohibiting spectators and, if so, who was responsible for them.
The inquest also heard from a marshal that a 2004 risk assessment document that marshals worked from had disappeared following the accident."

The above is from iomtoday, the Isle of Man Newspapers site

"The Coroner has recorded three misadventure verdicts on the competitor and two spectators who died in an accident at the end of last year's Centenary TT.

The fatal crash, at the 26th Milestone in the Senior Race, claimed the lives of rider Marc Ramsbotham, Dean Jacob from Kidderminister and Gregory Kenzig from Australia.

In his summing up Michael Moyle referred to a catalogue of disasters involving marshals, the Manx Motorcycle Club and the Department of Transport.

He said the positions of some of the key people involved were now untenable, and that while he had no power to ban or exclude them, they should have no significant participation in future motorcycling events in the Isle of Man.

Mr Moyle also said the two spectators would be alive today had they not been allowed in a restricted area."

The above is from the Manx Radio website.

Aditional post from iomonline.co.im

"Tourism Minister,Adrian Earnshaw, issues response to TT verdict

TOURISM and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw is promising coroner Michael Moyle's recommendations will be reviewed.
Mr Earnshaw, head of the TT organising committee, said:

'THE Isle of Man Government wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to everyone who was involved in, and affected by, the tragic accident at the 26th milestone during the Centenary TT in 2007.

'Following TT 2007 the Isle of Man Government instigated a review into the policy and operating practices concerning prohibited and restricted areas which has resulted in notable changes to procedures.

'The newly appointed race organiser ACU Events Ltd has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the TT course which has resulted in further definition of restricted and prohibited areas.

'Laminated maps will be posted at each location advising the public of these areas, and detailed maps will also be distributed and available online ahead of the 2008 TT races.'

He added: 'The course set-up contract for the2008 TT races will include responsibility for the marking, signing and frequent checking of all prohibited and restricted areas around the circuit.

'Training sessions will now be enhanced to assist marshals in policing prohibited and restricted areas with the option of contacting the Isle of Man Constabulary to request assistance should it be required.

'A comprehensive reporting procedure between marshals, sector marshals and race control has been instigated via the Tetra radio system to ensure that all prohibited and restricted areas are clear of spectators while racing takes place. The system will also produce a comprehensive audit trail.'

He said the committee acknowleged Mr Moyle's recommendations and that they would be reviewed in the near future.

'It would be inappropriate of me to comment further until we have had time to read Mr Moyle's recommendations in detail."

http://www.energyfm.net/news/bulletinstory1.htm

http://www.three.fm/article.php?article=3104

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/...306346.stm
20-03-2008, 03:49 PM




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