THE parents of tragic Falkirk FC footballer Craig Gowans want an inquiry into his death.
Craig (17) was killed during a training session at Little Kerse, Grangemouth, last July when the pole of a ball-collecting net he was pushing touched overhead p
owerlines.
John and Sheila Gowans have asked the Crown Office, to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry into his death. The family's solicitor David Wilson said several questions remained unanswered
Mr Wilson, of Edinburgh solicitors Drummond Miller, said: "An inquiry is to establish, among other things, whether defects in the systems of work contributed to the death and to make recommendations to improve those systems of work."
Craig's father said: "He was an immensely gifted and charismatic young man who demonstrated a hugely impressive set of academic and sporting abilities, as well as an infectious zest for life. His death left our family devastated.
"In asking for a Fatal Accident Inquiry, my only request is that justice be done. I am certain lessons can be learned from Craig's death.
"These lessons will ensure all sporting institutions who are responsible for the well-being of our children have proper health and safety regimes and risk assessments."
In a statement, Falkirk FC said they took full responsibilty for the training ground accident when they pled guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act at Falkirk Sheriff Court in November.
The club, which was fined £4000, stated it had learned lessons from the accident.
Club chairman Campbell Christie said: "We understand the grief Craig's family is going through – we share it with them. We still have players and personnel at the club who are upset and feel very badly about his death.
"However, we went through the health and safety inquiry and that resulted in charges against us which were dealt with by the courts.
"It was an accident that could not have been foreseen and it is not for the club to comment on something like a Fatal Accident Inquiry."
A Crown Office spokesman said the request for an inquiry into Craig's death was being considered.
Little Kerse is still used by community groups – but only after they get a safety briefing.
A spokesman for Ineos, which owns the land, said all users must undergo an induction, covering safety, before setting foot on the site.
james.trimble@falkirkherald.co.uk