Inquest into death of Suffolk woman at Nowton Park Country Fair in 2011 records verdict of accidental death

Posted 11/10/2012

The Inquest into the death of Carole Bullett, the 57 year old woman who was killed when a horse bolted into a crowd at the Nowton Park Country Fair in June 2011, has been taking place in Bury St Edmunds. The Coroner today recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Carole, from Bury St Edmunds, was having a day out with her husband Alan, their daughter Lynsey and grandson Tyler when the tragedy occurred. A horse called Lucas broke loose and bolted, pulling its carriage behind it and ploughing into Carole and numerous bystanders. Carole was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital by air ambulance but died the following morning from the injuries to her chest. A number of other people were injured during the incident and seven were taken to West Suffolk Hospital by the emergency services.

Hannah Rutterford, a personal injury specialist at Ashtons Legal solicitors, is representing the Bullett family. She comments:

“The incident had raised many questions surrounding both the suitability of the horse for the job he was being expected to do, and the Health and Safety procedures in place both to ensure the wellbeing of the horse and to minimise the risk to the public. The family are very relieved that the Inquest is now over but were very distressed by the evidence which revealed a catalogue of errors by those involved in the incident. If basic Health and Safety measures had been considered properly the incident would not have occurred.

Nothing can bring Carole back, but the family are pleased that the Coroner was making recommendations which should be considered on a national level to ensure that this type of tragic accident does not happen again. One of his recommendations is that laws should be introduced governing the training and testing of those who are operating any form of horse and carriage business which involves the public. The family now have sufficient facts to consider fully their own position and will decide in due course whether they wish to bring a legal claim in relation to Carole’s death.”