Tamworth Snowdome charged over death of boy

Tamworth Snowdome has been charged with health and safety offences following the death of a 12-year-old boy.

Louis Watkiss from Sutton Coldfield died at the centre on 24 September 2021, after being injured during a tobogganing party with friends.

The Health and Safety Executive said it had charged SnowDome Limited with breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

A statement from the HSE said: "After an initial joint investigation with Staffordshire Police, HSE can now confirm Snowdome Limited has been charged with breaching section 3 of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

"The case is listed for a first hearing at Telford Magistrates Court on 9 October 2024."

Following his death, Louis' family paid tribute to him, in which they said: “Louis was a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin and a friend. Louis was a studious pupil who enjoyed learning showing immense curiosity about the world around him.

"Louis supported Chelsea and England football clubs and followed England Cricket and Birmingham Bears, regularly watching both sports. Along with cheering on AJ and Tyson Fury for their big heavyweight fights.

“We are so thankful George had five happy years with his brother, and he will hold dear the memory of Louis' stoic personality. We are eternally grateful for the honour of knowing Louis and the pleasure of raising him."

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