Catapult duo acquitted
The pair who operated the human catapult that flung Wadham College student Kostadin Yankov to his death have been cleared of manslaughter, writes Ian Lyons.
Richard Wicks and David Aitkenhead were cleared of all charges after the jury returned a not guilty verdict at Bristol Crown Court.
The men, founding members of the Dangerous Sports Club, had designed and operated the device at Middlemoor Water Park, near Bridgwater.
The judge, Justice Heather Hallett, ruled: "The prosecution evidence simply does not come close enough to prove such a grave criminal offence."
Mr Wicks and Mr Aitkenhead were "totally relieved" at the outcome. The Oxford Stunt Factory told The OxStu they were "pleased that it's all over."
13th May 2004