The operator of an inflatable jumping castle at the centre of the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy has pleaded not guilty to breaching the Health and Safety Act.
Rosemary Gamble, trading as Taz Zorb, appeared briefly in the Devonport Magistrate’s Court on Friday, pleading not guilty to a charge of failing to comply with the company’s duty to prevent exposing children to a risk of death or serious injury.
Six children were killed and three seriously injured in December 2021 when a gust of wind blew the jumping castle into the air.
The prosecution alleges Gamble only tied down four of the eight anchor points for the inflatable and did not follow the manufacturer’s instructions to hammer the pegs in at a 45 degree angle.
A directions hearing has been listed for March 22.
An inquest into the deaths has been halted pending the outcome of the current court proceedings.
