US EditionCouncil failing led to tree swing death of girl, 12, inquest hears
- On Wednesday, South London Coroner's Court heard that 12-year-old Brooke Wiggins died in November 2024 after a branch fell from a tree in Banstead, Surrey, which had missed a mandatory re-inspection scheduled for May 2024.
- Surrey County Council last inspected the tree in May 2022, but the mandatory re-inspection due in May 2024 never occurred, while policy requires removing unauthorized rope swings within seven days.
- Christian Weaver, representing Brooke's father Lee Wiggins, argued the swing would have been removed had the inspection occurred; Lee Wiggins questioned if his daughter might still be alive had officials performed their duties properly.
- Representatives for Surrey County Council argued expert evidence suggests an inspection might not have achieved a "material different outcome," though later assessments revealed a crack in the branch obscured by ivy and invisible from ground level.
- Health and Safety Executive official Gordon Carson confirmed council policy mandates removing unauthorized rope swings within seven days, while mother Claire Etherington described Brooke as a "beautiful, fun, caring and loving girl" with immense potential.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Brooke Wiggins was playing on a swing when she was crushed by a falling tree branch. The twelve-year-old girl's death could have been avoided, according to the family, writes Metro. - If only people had done their jobs properly, Brooke would still be here, says the girl's father Lee Wiggins.
Father blames council after girl, 12, killed 'by falling branch on rope swing'
Brooke’s family have said she would still be alive if the council had carried out an inspection (Picture: Facebook) A young girl was killed as she was swinging on a tree branch that should have been removed, an inquest heard. Brooke Wiggins was fatally wounded by the falling tree branch days before her 13th birthday on November 9 2024 in Banstead, Surrey. South London Coroner’s Court heard that Surrey County Council, had been due to re-inspect t…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
