Ian Sidney Martin · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 17th January, 2014, I commenced an investigation into the death of Ian Sidney Martin, aged 68. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8th April, 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Ian Sidney Martin died as a result of an accident. The medical cause of death was Traumatic head injury.

Shortly before 18:30 hours on 9th January, 2014, Mr Ian Sidney Martin was making his way from Skipton Bus Station to Tescos store to meet his wife. It was dark and had been raining and the ground was very wet. From the Bus Station Mr Martin used the canal bridge which leads up to Gas Street, Skipton. He fell on the wet, slippery and worn steps on the bridge sustaining a head injury from which he died in hospital later that day. At the inquest evidence was heard about other people slipping on these steps or avoiding them in wet weather realising they were dangerous. Post-mortem reports and toxicology reports confirm that Mr Martin was in good health and had not been drinking at the time of the incident.

(1) The condition of the steps from the canal bridge leading to Gas Street, Skipton, presents a danger to those using the bridge.
(2) The poor lighting in the area of the bridge.