The director of a stunt company has been handed a 12-month community order for health and safety breaches after a stuntman died during a human cannonball show. Matthew Cranch, 24, suffered multiple fatal injuries when a safety net collapsed as he was fired from a lorry-mounted cannon at the Kent county showground in Detling on 25 April 2011.
Maidstone Crown Court heard that the quick-release mechanism on the safety net was not properly set, causing it to drop when the lorry recoiled upon firing. Scott May, 40, of Stunts UK Ltd, pleaded guilty to a health and safety charge and was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. The company was fined £100,000.
Prosecutor Mark Watson said the mechanism could be unintentionally falsely closed, likening it to a half-closed car door. He said the quick-release mechanism was unnecessary and introduced an unacceptable level of risk. Watson described the firm's health and safety approach as 'lackadaisical', noting previous near-misses and informal staff training.
In a victim impact statement, Cranch's family described him as a 'free spirit' whose death they could never accept. His mother, Pauline, fought back tears as the statement was read, recalling him as an intelligent, happy young man who loved juggling and skateboarding.
In mitigation, May's barrister said he was 'truly sorry' and considered staff like extended family. The judge noted the offence was 'committed through omission rather than act'.
