Academy Trust Fined £300,000 Following Student’s Tragic Death

A school academy trust has been fined £300,000 after the tragic death of 19-year-old Owen Garnett, attributed to a series of management failures.

Owen, described by his family as having “an incredible sense of humour” and “everything to live for,” died two days after choking on a paper towel at Welcombe Hills School, Stratford-upon-Avon, on 9 January 2023.

The Sixth Form student, who had attended the school since age 11, had been diagnosed with Pica—a dangerous eating disorder that compels individuals to consume non-food items. Despite a near-miss incident days earlier, no action was taken to prevent a recurrence.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Owen’s classroom staff lacked specific training to manage Pica-related risks. His individual risk assessment highlighted the choking hazards associated with Pica and required close supervision by a “named person.” However, these measures were not followed on the day of his death.

On 9 January, Owen wandered unsupervised during a break and returned inside the school unnoticed. When staff located him outside the building, he was choking. Although emergency services removed a ball of paper towel from his throat, Owen had been deprived of oxygen for too long and later died in hospital.

Just days earlier, Owen had a similar choking episode involving a paper towel, which he managed to resolve himself. Despite this, the school failed to take appropriate preventive actions, such as securing paper towels and enhancing supervision.

“After Owen passed away, we never slept, we never ate, all we could do was cry. This lasted for months. This was supposed to be a place where Owen was safe and secure. Owen had Pica and should have been kept under close supervision. I can’t understand why this didn’t happen. He was unique, lovable, challenging, caring, and happy. We will never get over this.”.

The Investigation

Owen’s grandmother, Maureen Garnett, described the profound impact of his loss:

Owen’s foster parents, Jacqueline and Graham Blackwell, shared their grief:

“Owen was part of our family, and we had made so many plans for him. We were saving to take him to Florida to swim with dolphins. Instead, we used that money for his funeral. His death has shattered our lives. He had everything to live for and brought so much joy with his incredible sense of humour.”

HSE guidance emphasizes that schools must adopt robust risk management approaches involving staff, students, and carers to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

Unity Multi Academy Trust, which oversees Welcombe Hills School, admitted to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The trust was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £10,750 in costs at Coventry Magistrates Court on 18 December 2024.

HSE Comments

HSE Inspector Rebecca Whiley stated:

“This tragedy was entirely preventable. Owen’s death was the result of repeated management failures, including the failure to act on concerns raised by his family. A near-miss incident days earlier should have triggered immediate action to protect him.

“Owen was a young man with a bright future. He should have returned home safely to his family after a day at school. Instead, they have been left devastated. Our thoughts remain with Owen’s family.”

his prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi and paralegal officer Sarah Thomas.

“Owen was part of our family, and we had made so many plans for him. We were saving to take him to Florida to swim with dolphins. Instead, we used that money for his funeral. His death has shattered our lives. He had everything to live for and brought so much joy with his incredible sense of humour.”