Appeal cuts Dreamspace artists’ fine

The Dreamspace inflatable exhibit broke free in Durham's Riverside Park in July 2006; two visitors fell to their deaths and several others were injured.

Maurice Agis has won a reduction in the fine levied against him for health and safety offences after his inflatable art installation broke its moorings, killing two people.

The 77-year-old artist was originally fined £10,000 at Newcastle Crown Court, for failing to ensure public safety. But he successfully contested the fine at the London Court of Appeal, on the basis his only income is a £125-a-week state pension.

On 12 August 2009, three judges reduced the fine to £2500. "We, of course, are very conscious that it bears no reflection of what happened,'' said Lord Justice Goldring.

"However, these are very unusual circumstances and we are dealing with a very elderly appellant who is very ill."

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