Nerys Bethan Lloyd, a former police officer and owner of Salty Dog Co Ltd, has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for gross negligence manslaughter after four paddleboarders died during a tour she led on the River Cleddau in Wales in 2021.
Key Points
- Sentencing: Nerys Bethan Lloyd sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for gross negligence manslaughter.
- Victims: Four people — Morgan Rogers (24), Nicola Wheatley (40), Andrea Powell (41), and Paul O'Dwyer (42) — died during a paddleboarding trip on the River Cleddau.
- Negligence: Lloyd ignored severe weather warnings, failed to conduct safety briefings, and led the group into hazardous conditions.
- Court Findings: Judge described Lloyd’s actions as a "catastrophic failure of responsibility", highlighting her disregard for basic safety practices.
- Industry Impact: The tragedy has led to calls for stricter safety regulations and oversight in paddleboarding and water sports across the UK.
- Background: Lloyd was a former police firearms officer and ran the paddleboarding business Salty Dog Co Ltd.
- Community Reaction: Families of the victims and water sports advocates are demanding reforms to prevent future accidents.
Former Police Officer Found Guilty of Gross Negligence
Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, a former police firearms officer and owner of Salty Dog Co Ltd, has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of four individuals during a paddleboarding tour on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Wales, in October 2021.
Tragic Incident Claims Four Lives
The victims—Morgan Rogers, 24; Nicola Wheatley, 40; Andrea Powell, 41; and co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer, 42—were part of a group led by Lloyd on a paddleboarding expedition despite hazardous conditions, including swollen waters and severe weather warnings. The group was swept into a dangerous weir, resulting in their deaths.
Court Highlights Reckless Conduct
During sentencing, Judge Mrs Justice Stacey emphasized Lloyd's failure to implement basic safety measures, such as providing safety briefings, appropriate equipment, or warning the group of the weir. Despite being trained in risk management, Lloyd ignored safer alternatives suggested by co-instructor O'Dwyer, who died attempting to rescue others.
Calls for Stricter Safety Regulations
The incident has prompted calls for stricter safety regulations in paddleboarding and other water sports. Families of the victims have expressed devastation and urged for improved oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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