Oswestry skate park tragedy: Operator warned of jail after admitting perverting the course of justice
The operator of a skate park where a man collapsed has been warned that he may go to prison after he admitted perverting the course of justice.
Matthew Jones, 20, fell ill in the basement at the Academy Skatepark in Rednal, near Oswestry, in October 2014. He later died in hospital.
Crispin Wrigley, of Cabin Lane, Oswestry, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.
He pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and failing to comply with fire safety regulations.
Wrigley deliberately failed to tell police about the existence of the basement between October 31, 2014, and November 4, 2014, and of cleaning it during the early stages of their investigation.
The defendant, 39, had previously denied the allegations.
Mr Jones, known as Matty, of Johnstown, near Wrexham, died in the early hours of November 1 after he was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after he fell ill.
He had gone out with friends to celebrate his birthday by attending a halloween party at the Academy Skate Park.
The apprentice plumber worked at the Holt Lodge Hotel in Wrexham.
He was a talented footballer who played for Rhos Aelwyd Football Club.
Judge Jim Tindall told the Wrigley that due to the serious nature of the offences that "custody was an option".
The court heard that Wrigley had admitted the charges on the basis that he had been "less than co-operative" with the police during their inquiries and had tidied up the premises.
The case was adjourned for sentencing next month and for the preparation of reports.
Wrigley was given unconditional bail.
