http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7368734.stmQuote:
Amphibious car maker faces jail
The boss of a firm which supplied an amphibious vehicle for use in the Lake District, is facing jail after a judge described it as a "floating coffin."
Windermere tour operator Adrian Cowdroy paid £34,000 to Sussex-based Amphibious Cars Ltd for a vehicle to take families on tours of the lake.
But a Carlisle Crown Court jury convicted managing director Tim Dutton-Woolley of making false claims.
Judge Paul Batty QC said the vehicle was not fit for purpose.
During the eight-day trial, brought by Cumbria Trading Standards, the jury travelled to Windermere to watch the vehicle on the lake.
Flooding risk
The court heard the vehicle was ordered in 2004 and delivered in December the following year.
But lake wardens refused to issue a licence to allow the vessel to take fare-paying passengers on Windermere.
Peter Hopley, a chartered engineer specialising in mechanical design and marine equipment, told the court that there was a high risk of down flooding and sinking and that he had "real concerns" about the stability of the vehicle.
Judge Batty said: "This vessel was an absolute disgrace.
"Everyone who saw it, either at close quarters or performing, would probably agree that it was nothing short of a floating coffin."
Phil Ashcroft, Head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "There can be no shortcuts where the safety of the public is concerned, especially given that this vehicle's primary purpose was to take fare-paying passengers on Lake Windermere."
Dutton-Woolley was bailed to his home address in Worthing until sentencing on 28 May.
Dutton-Woolley said (according to reports) that he had warned Adrian Cowdroy that a requirement for the vehicle to fit in his garage would compromise the design and render it unsafe, but had been told to get on with it.
On behalf of Trading Standards, 8 volunteer firemen took to water in the vehicle to test it.... and had to be returned to shore quickly as the vehicle started to sink!
If it had sunk, I'm sure we could have found an expert witness to help!
It was also reported that the vehicle was not suitable for use on land either.
Not sure why Mr Cowdroy felt the need to commission a vehicle, when there are several ex-military vehicles available for a reasonable price, which are proven to be effective!