Mix-up that left a climber paralysed; Wrong people let go on instructor's command.

Byline: By GARETH HUGHES

A FORMER climbing instructor was fined yesterday after a mix-up over his commands left a woman paralysed.

Lisa Brennin plunged to the ground when two friends let go of a rope while she was abseiling at Trevor Rocks, near Llangollen.

John McDermott was on his first job since qualifying as an instructor, Denbighshire magistrates heard.

The 42-year-old said he was calling to Miss Brennin to let go to boost her confidence as she abseiled down a cliff face.

But her colleagues holding the rope on the ground below thought he was talking to them.

'They let go and Lisa Brennin crashed to the ground,' said barrister Julian Shaw. 'She is now effectively a paraplegic.

Miss Brennin was with a group of paramedics from the Warrington area when the accident occurred in March2003. Last month McDermott pleaded guilty to putting the public at risk by failing to maintain proper control over the activity.

A highly experienced mountaineer, he had recently gained his instructor's certificate and was employed under contract by JJ Canoeing and Rafting of Llangollen.

The group of 10 abseiling were using the Bellringer method by which two people on the ground anchored the rope which then passed through a fixed point at the top of the cliff and down to the climber.

Miss Brennin was the last climber but one to take part, McDermott having shown the group at the start how to work as a team.

Some members of the group claimed the instructions had been 'inadequate and perfunctory' and they were unclear about their responsibilities.

Barrister Andrew Kinnier, defending, told the hearing in Denbigh none of the group had expressed any concerns or doubts beforehand.

McDermott was a highly respected mountaineer with 20 years' experience.

'This is not a situation where safety was abandoned,' said Mr Kinnier. He said his client was so upset by the accident he had given up all involvement with climbing and with helping disadvantaged children in outdoor activities. He is now working as a lorry driver.

McDermott, of Holyhead Road, Llangollen, was fined pounds 1,500 and ordered to pay pounds 500 costs.

Chairman Susan Clark told him: 'Obviously you did not make it clear whom you were talking to when you said 'Let go of the rope'.'

James Christopher Jayes, of Berwyn Road, Llangollen, and his former wife, Anyta Jayes, of Church Lane, St Martins, Oswestry, have each denied a charge of failing to ensure an instructor was competent.

They have elected for trial at Mold Crown Court and their case will be heard on May 27.

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John McDermott