Bosses of a race track where a teenager was strangled by a SCARF caught in her go-kart are being prosecuted for health and safety breaches.
Suzanne Cornwell, 18, was fatally injured when her green scarf got caught in the engine of her kart in December 2009 – the first time she had ever been go-karting.
She had been invited along with five friends to use the track at Peterborough Raceway in Caxton, Cambs., out of hours by employee Andy Kivlin.
An inquest at Huntingdon Coroner’s Court last year heard Mr Kilvin failed to give Suzi any safety advice and she was not told to wear an overall to prevent her scarf from being loose.
South Cambridgeshire District Council has now launched a prosecution against the firm, as well as company secretary Philip Meakins and manager Paul Shinn.
Both men pleaded not guilty to charges under section three of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and regulation three of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 at Cambridge Magistrates Court on March 14.
Mr Meakins entered a not guilty plea to the same charges on behalf of the company.
Cllr Sue Ellington, cabinet member for public health on South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “This was a tragic accident and our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.
“We will be continuing to work with them as we proceed with the legal process.”
Suzi, from Hardwick, near Cambridge, Cambs., was rushed to hospital after her scarf got caught in the rear axle of her go-kart on December 11, 2009.
She died the next day in Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
A post mortem carried out by Home Office Pathologist Dr Benjamin Swift recorded the medical cause of death as ligature strangulation.
Suzi was studying at Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge and lived with her father David, mother Wendy and older brother Stuart.
Magistrates are expected to commit the case to Cambridge Crown Court at a hearing on May 2.
The track has since reopened under new management.
