RAF man's damages bid rejected
22/01/2010
An RAF aircraftman who broke his neck during an It's a Knockout style event has lost his bid for damages after a judge ruled reasonable safety measures were in place.
Robert Uren, of Pencoys in Cornwall, was 21 when he was injured at RAF High Wycombe in July 2005.
The High Court heard Mr Uren hit his head after diving into a shallow pool when trying to retrieve plastic fruit during a relay race.
Mr Justice Field ruled neither equipment provider Corporate Leisure (UK) Ltd or the Ministry of Defence were liable.
The judge said he had the greatest sympathy for Mr Uren, who is now tetraplegic and whose life has been "devastated". But his claim was turned down because the defendants took reasonable measures to ensure that the game was safe.
"It was obvious that they should not attempt to dive in without sliding over the side. In sliding over the side they would be moving essentially horizontally and the friction would slow the pace of entry."
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