'Boredom' hazard at Wolverhampton tragedy swimming pool, claim

Kelly Woods, aged 31, is accused of failing to properly supervise pool users, including tragic eight-year-old Suraj Mall, at Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre in 2008.

Jurors have been told that Woods, of Woodland Avenue, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton, was talking to a customer, Barry King, shortly before Suraj was found floating face down in the water.

Mr James Puzey, prosecuting, gave his closing speech in her trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday.

He said Woods 'knew the rules' for how long she was allowed to hold conversations with customers, and that the talk she had with Mr King was too long.

He added: "Why didn't she say to Mr King 'excuse me, why don't you just move away'.

"He was sat on the wall and she was allowing him to talk to her.

"The greatest hazard to her was actually boredom, at the end of a long day.

"The question remains why didn't she see Suraj Mall."

Mr Ben Compton QC, defending, said this was a tragic case but said there was a danger that jurors felt 'pressure to find someone responsible'.

He stressed that the five-year delay for the case to come to court meant witnesses accounts may contain inaccuracies due to their fading memories.

And he said Mr King's account of Woods' behaviour was crucial to jurors' decision, adding: "Barry King said she was scanning the pool during their conversation."

Mr Compton posed jurors six questions to consider during his own closing speech, including asking them if they could be sure when and where Suraj got into difficulties in the pool.

He asked why other staff at the pool did not see the youngster.

He added: "Throughout that period Kelly Woods' attention was on the pool.

"It was not quite so simplistic as the Crown says.

"She has been transparently honest throughout her trial.

"This is a classic and tragic case of silent drowing." He added: "Woods dived in but tragically she was unable to save his life."

The trial continues.