The organiser of a motorsport event in Stafford that had to be evacuated after people fell ill from carbon monoxide poisoning has admitted breaking health and safety laws.

Motorsport with Attitude Limited pleaded guilty to five offences following the indoor live action car event at the town’s County Showground last year, in a court case brought by Stafford Borough Council.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Weston Road venue after complaints about spectators feeling unwell - and recorded high levels of carbon monoxide inside the main arena.  

The Showground was evacuated and event cancelled with the incident investigated by the borough council who charged the motorsport business with offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.  

Company Director, David Rennie, appeared before Magistrates in Cannock last week and pleaded guilty to five charges on behalf of Motorsport with Attitude Ltd relating to the incident in February 2024 for failing to:

• Have a valid risk assessment
• Ensure the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work were adequate to deal with carbon monoxide build-up.  
• Ensure the provision and maintenance of a working environment for your employees
• Prepare and revise a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work  
• Make a suitable as sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of persons not in your employment  

The case was adjourned until April for sentencing at Cannock Magistrates Court.

Councillor Ian Fordham, Cabinet Member for Environment at the Borough Council, said: “The safety of our community is one of our top priorities and people going to this type of car racing event must be confident that the organisers have all the checks and balances in place for it to run safely.

“I am pleased that, after our thorough investigation, the company has admitted it failed to have all those correct safety procedures in place.”

Press Release No 6189