Man in court over River Tees fatal kayaking expedition

A man has appeared in court after leading a fatal kayaking expedition onthe River Tees.

Andrew Pullan's canoe capsized and he was pulled under the water atWhorlton Lido, near Barnard Castle, on the afternoon of Saturday 26th October 2013.

The 47-year-old was flown by air ambulance to James Cook UniversityHospital, in Middlesbrough, but died the following morning.

His instructor, Christopher Hackett, appeared at Darlington Magistrates’Court on Wednesday 29th July charged with four counts of breaching his duty as a self employed person under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Hackett was leading a kayaking trip on the River Tees with Mr Pullan andhis brother-in-law when the tragedy occurred.

However Mr Pullan's brother-in-law decided to abandon the trip aftercapsizing, leaving Mr Pullan and Mr Hackett to continue down the river.

The pair then hit a series of rapids and a waterfall where Mr Pullan gotinto difficulty.

Hackett is accused of exposing Mr Pullan to risks to his heath and safetyby failing to provide information on hazards in the River Tees, failing tomake a suitable risk assessment, and failing to review his risk assessment after experiencing the conditions on the river at the time.

The 26-year-old, of Greenmount Road, Darlington, did not enter any pleas and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Christopher McKee, prosecuting, told the court: "It is the prosecution’sposition that this is a matter best dealt with at the crown court."

Magistrates agreed and declined jurisdiction before committing the case toDurham Crown Court.

They granted Mr Hackett unconditional bail ahead of the hearing next month.

Andrew Pullan had recently retired from the Army and leaves behind hiswidow, Melanie - who sat in the public gallery during the court hearing – and two children Ben and Hannah.