Club Charged Over Girl's Death

19 February 2013, 11:37 | Updated: 19 February 2013, 11:55

A watersports club has been charged with corporate manslaughter over the death of an 11-year-old girl who was hit by a speedboat.

Mari-Simon Cronje died during a birthday celebration in September 2010 after she fell from a banana boat and was hit by the boat that was towing it.

She died from severe leg injuries after falling into a lake at the club in Bedfont, west London, during a friend's birthday party.

Prince's Sporting Club Limited, represented by a solicitor, was charged with corporate manslaughter and a health and safety offence at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.

One of the company's directors, Frederick Glen Walker, 49, from Cobham in Surrey, is also facing a health and safety charge.

Wearing a dark suit with a blue shirt and blue tie, Walker spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.

The next hearing will be at Southwark Crown Court on April 26.

Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle said: "This is a very tragic case, very tragic for everyone involved."