Injured freelance sound recordist paralysed by falling wind turbine sues BBC

A freelance sound recordist is suing the BBC for negligence after he was paralysed in an accident while working on location in Pembrokeshire.

Adam Jones, 45, was injured when a wind turbine fell on him at the Brithdir Mawr farm in October 2001. He is also suing the farm owners, cameraman Jon Rees and Bobby Bazalgette who was lowering the mast for repairs.

Lawyers told the High Court in Cardiff they will seek a minimum of £1.5m damages if the claim is successful.

The hearing is scheduled to last for about a week, and a separate claim for damages will then be made if appropriate.

Mr Jones told the court that he had been employed by the BBC to work on a documentary and had at no time been given warnings of any potential danger involved. He said that at the time of the accident his sound equipment was hooked up to the camera being used for filming and when the cameraman moved under the mast of the wind-powered generator, he simply followed.

Under cross-examination by barristers for the four parties involved, Mr Jones denied that the production's director, Gloria Thomas, had warned him of the way the mast was to be lowered for repairs. He also said he could not recall any other person telling them to stay clear.

Mr Jones said he had worked with freelance cameraman Mr Rees for many years and they were an experienced team used to hazardous conditions. But he added: "I did not perceive any danger in this situation."

The four parties deny liability and the case is expected to last a week.

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