Suzanne Cornwell

KARTING track bosses have denied breaching health and safety regulations in relation to the death of a Cambridge sixth former.

Suzanne Cornwell, 18, of Hardwick, suffered severe neck injuries after her scarf was caught in the engine of a go-kart at the Caxton circuit in December 2009. She died in Addenbrookes Hospital the following day.

The company which ran the Royston Road track, Peterborough Raceway Ltd, has been charged with breaching section three of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and regulation three of the Management of Health and Safety of Work Regulations 1999.

Company secretary Philip Meakins and manager Paul Shinn both face the same charges.

The pair entered a not guilty plea when they appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 14. Mr Meakins also denied the charge on behalf of the company.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, May 2 when it will be committed to crown court.

The prosecution is being pursued by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Its cabinet member for public health, Cllr Sue Ellington, said: “This was a tragic accident and out thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.

“We will be continuing to work with them as we proceed with the legal process.”