Sobbing couple facing jail for causing death of girl, 7, on bouncy castle
Documents seized by police showed the couple had run the attraction in bad weather in the past. The Thurstons, of Wilburton, Cambs, were found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter by a 10-2 majority. They were also found guilty of a health and safety offence.
Judge Mr Justice Garnham bailed them ahead of sentencing next month. Mrs Thurston left in tears as her husband cried and hugged a relative.
Summer’s family sat in silence in the public gallery. Her mother Cara Blackie appeared tearful as she left before the hearing ended.
Summer lived with Ms Blackie Hellesdon, Norfolk.
Mr Grant, of Harlow, had taken his daughter to the Easter fair with other family members.
Detective Chief Inspector Danny Stoten, of Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said outside court that Summer Grant’s family were “pleased and relieved” with the guilty verdicts.
He said: “I don’t think it’s quite set in at the moment, so they’ve asked to be given some time to come to terms with this result.”
He added: “The Thurstons put profit before safety. They had huge weight on their shoulders and that was for the safety of children, other people’s loved ones.
“They put profit first, they’ve ignored the rules and the regulations, they didn’t conduct the checks they should have conducted and sadly Summer’s lost her life.” in