A BLISTERING attack on race management was delivered by a coroner as verdicts of misadventure were recorded at the inquest into the deaths of three people, including a Kidderminster man, killed in last year's Isle of Man TT Senior race day tragedy.

A three-day inquest was held into the deaths of spectators Dean Jacob, 33, of Tomkinson Drive, and Gregory John Kenzig, 52, of Australia, and TT competitor Marc Ramsbotham, 34, of Norfolk.

They died following an accident at a point known as the 26th Milestone on June 8.

Delivering his verdicts, Michael Moyle launched the attack on race officials, marshals and the Department of Transport - DoT.

"Members of the public may be astonished not only at the number of failings but the gravity of them," said Mr Moyle.

He said there had been "considerable and wholesale failings in the system designed to ensure the safety of spectators was paramount".

Mr Moyle said he regretted that he was far from impressed with a considerable number of witnesses who gave evidence to the inquest, accusing them of being "defensive", "passing the parcel of blame" and failing to accept facts that were "blindingly obvious".

He said if the prohibited area at the 26th Milestone had been properly marshalled and properly closed off spectators would not have been in that area and "their lives would have been spared."

He said he had no powers to ban race officials and marshals but he said he hoped they would "do the decent and honourable thing" and not play any significant role in the future of racing.

Mr Moyle read a list of those people he was referring to - one name on the list was former clerk of the course Neil Hanson and chief marshal Roger Hurst.

Turning to the part played by the DoT in the tragedy he said: "If the DoT had deliberately set out to make themselves a laughing stock they could not have done a better job of it." During last week's hearing, Mr Moyle heard there was confusion about whether the area around the 26th Milestone should have had signs prohibiting spectators and, if so, who was responsible for them.

The inquest also heard from a marshal that a 2004 risk assessment document that marshals worked from had disappeared following the accident.

In a statement issued following the coroner's verdict, the island government's Tourism and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw, said: "The Isle of Man Government wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to everyone who was involved in, and affected by, the tragic accident at the 26th milestone during the Centenary TT in 2007.

"Following TT 2007 the Isle of Man Government instigated a review into the policy and operating practices concerning prohibited and restricted areas which has resulted in notable changes to procedures.

"The newly appointed race organiser ACU Events Ltd has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the TT course which has resulted in further definition of restricted and prohibited areas.

"Laminated maps will be posted at each location advising the public of these areas, and detailed maps will also be distributed and available online ahead of the 2008 TT races.

"The course set-up contract for the 2008 TT races will include responsibility for the marking, signing and frequent checking of all prohibited and restricted areas around the circuit.

"Training sessions will now be enhanced to assist marshals in policing prohibited and restricted areas with the option of contacting the Isle of Man Constabulary to request assistance should it be required.

A comprehensive reporting procedure between marshals, sector marshals and race control has been instigated via the Tetra radio system to ensure that all prohibited and restricted areas are clear of spectators while racing takes place.

"The system will also produce a comprehensive audit trail.

"We acknowledge the recommendations of HM Coroner Mr T M Moyle and they will be reviewed in the near future.

"It would be inappropriate of me to comment further until we have had time to read Mr Moyle's recommendations in detail."

copy supplied by MEN