David Lloyd leisure centres facing prosecution after three-year-old drowns in swimming pool

Rocco Wright’s father says his son’s death ‘could and should have been prevented’

Peter Stubley
Tuesday 18 February 2020 00:13 GMT
Three-year-old Rocco Wright drowned at a David Lloyd centre in Leeds in April 2018
Three-year-old Rocco Wright drowned at a David Lloyd centre in Leeds in April 2018

A British health club business is to be prosecuted after a three-year-old boy drowned in one of its pools.

David Lloyd Leisure, which was founded by the tennis player, could be charged with alleged health and safety breaches over the death of Rocco Wright.

Leeds City Council made the announcement on Monday after an inquest jury ruled the death was accidental at a hearing at Wakefield Coroner’s Court.

Rocco Wright was pulled from the water by his father at the David Lloyd centre in Moortown, Leeds, on 21 April, 2018.

There was only one 17-year-old lifeguard on duty at the time of the incident.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: “The death of a child in any circumstances is tragic, and we continue to offer the Wright family our sincerest sympathy.

“Leeds City Council’s Health and Safety Inspectors have investigated the circumstances of Rocco’s death and believe that David Lloyd Leisure Ltd have committed offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which we intend to prosecute in the near future.

“We will keep in regular contact with the family and ensure they are informed and supported throughout this next stage.”

Natalie Marrison, representing Rocco’s parents Catharine and Steven Wright, said they supported any prosecution.

“At the heart of this is a three-year-old boy who has lost his life,” said Ms Marrison said. “The family remain devastated by the loss.

“The inquest has heard evidence which raises serious concerns surrounding health and safety at the swimming pool at the David Lloyd club in Leeds in April 2018.”

Rocco’s father had previously told the jury his son’s death “could and should have been prevented”.

The inquest heard there were no witnesses or CCTV evidence that could explain how the little boy ended up in the water.

In a statement, David Lloyd Leisure insisted that the firm “never places profit above safety”.

“Health and safety is and always will be our number one priority,” it added. “The week-long inquest which concluded today found a verdict of accidental death and we are unaware on what basis Leeds City Council intend to prosecute.

“It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on the matter at this stage.”​

The jury was told by coroner Jonathan Leach that accidental death was the only available verdict.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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