NO criminal charges will be brought following the death of an eight-year-old boy who got into difficulty at a public swimming pool.
Kaimen Ward, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, died after a swimming session at the town’s Hambleton Leisure Centre, in August last year.
He was pulled unconscious from the 25-metre pool, but efforts to revive him failed and he was declared dead at the nearby Friarage Hospital.
An investigation into his death was carried out by North Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive.
No individuals will face criminal charges over Kaimen’s death, nor will Hambleton District Council, which runs the leisure centre.
The Health and Safety Executive investigation is still ongoing.
An inquest into the former Bullamoor Junior School pupil’s death is due to be held later this year, although no date has yet been set.
The eight-year-old, whose funeral last September was attended by more than 150 people, was described at the service as a popular and bubbly lad who loved computer games.
A police spokeswoman said yesterday: “North Yorkshire Police can confirm that, following a full police investigation and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, there will be no criminal charges in relation to the death of Kaimen Ward.
“A report will be prepared for HM Coroner for use at the inquest into his death.
“The date for the inquest has not yet been fixed.”
The district council launched its own inquiry into the tragedy, after which the pool closed for several days, both out of respect and to allow the investigations to take place.
The council declined to comment on the outcome of its investigation.
A spokeswoman said: “We have received the news from the police and our sympathies remain with the family over this tragic incident.”
Kaimen, who lived with his family in Ashlands Road, Northallerton, celebrated his eighth birthday only days before he died.
His parents, Caroline and Gavin, could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
Ms Ward had earlier said of her son: “He was a lovely little chap – he loved his gadgets.
He was perfect in my eyes.”
Kaimen had a twin sister, Hope-Ella, and an older brother, Jordan.
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