Funfair Boss Jailed Over Toddler’s Tragic Death on Norfolk Beach
An operations manager has been sentenced to six months behind bars and banned from directing companies for five years after a three-year-old girl died on a Norfolk beach. Johnsons Funfair Limited, trading as Bounce About, has been slapped with a £20,000 fine over the heartbreaking incident.
Inflatable Trampoline Explosion Throws Toddler From 40 Feet
The young victim, Ava-May Littleboy from Suffolk, was playing on an inflatable trampoline at Gorleston-on-Sea on July 1, 2018. Suddenly, the trampoline exploded, launching her up to 40 feet into the air. She suffered fatal head injuries in the horrifying accident.
Shocking Safety Failures Uncovered
Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a joint probe that revealed deadly negligence. The inflatable had been imported from China in 2017 without safety testing or certification. Johnsons Funfair failed to carry out proper risk assessments and used undertrained staff, including underage workers without permits. Annual checks and independent expert certification on the inflatables were also neglected.
Company Guilty, Boss Faces Justice
Johnsons Funfair admitted breaching Health and Safety laws and was fined £20,000 plus nearly £290,000 in costs. Operations manager Curt Johnson pleaded guilty to negligence. Judge sentenced him to six months in jail for multiple offences and disqualified him as a director for five years.
HSE Steps Up Inflatables Safety Rules
The tragedy forced the HSE to issue new guidance for sealed inflatables, stressing strict maintenance and thorough checks. While such incidents are rare, the HSE warned that it will take tough action against any funfair operator risking public safety.
