The organisers and a marshal of a downhill race where a spectator was killed have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Judith Garrett, 29, was attending round three of the Borderline Race Series in 2014 to support her boyfriend, Peter Walton, when she was struck by a bike. She was airlifted to hospital in Stoke but died the next day with major head injuries.

British Cycling, Mike Marsden of Borderline events and Ian Duckworth, a marshal, all appeared at Mold Crown Court and denied all charges. A four week trial is expected in June next year with a pre-trial review on March 26.

From the BBC:

“The charge against the British Cycling Federation alleges that it failed to conduct its undertaking in such a way as to ensure the health and safety of people attending.

“Race official Michael Marsden, 40, of Lancaster, is alleged to have failed to conduct the event in such a way that people including Miss Garrett were not exposed to risk.

“It is alleged that he failed to ensure the safety of spectators at the competition and failed to provide marshals with adequate training regarding the safety of spectators.

“The final charge against him alleges that he failed to report the death of Miss Garrett at the competition.

“A marshal, Kevin Ian Duckworth, 41, Lancashire, is alleged to have failed to ensure that his health and safety duties as a marshal were complied with.

“Mr Duckworth and Mr Marsden were given unconditional bail.”