A FIREWORKS display that went wrong – destroying a pick-up truck in a dramatic explosion – has resulted in fines and costs of more than £7,000 for the organiser.

The event, at Ringwood Raceway on November 6, 2021, ended in confusion and disaster when a defective firework ended up in the rear of the truck, which contained other fireworks.

An explosion followed, with around 2,000 people looking on in shock as the show descended into chaos.

On January 30, 2023, following an investigation by Dorset Council, Craig Richard Robinson, of Hurn Road, Ringwood, pleaded guilty at Poole Magistrates Court to failing to take measures to prevent, limit or protect persons from fire or explosion.

The 46-year-old organised the display, at Matchams Leisure Park, where an explosion was triggered by a defective firework, the court was told.

A firework had fallen, still burning, into the rear of a pick-up truck parked nearby where unused fireworks were being kept under a thin plastic sheet.

These were then ignited, causing a large explosion.

Dorset Council officers noted that the fireworks should have been better protected, and although the resulting explosion did not cause any injuries, it did create a risk and fear of serious harm.

In court, the defence stated Dorset Council had conducted a thorough and robust investigation into the incident, and the evidence shown was compelling.

The prosecution was able to show widely circulated videos of the event before the sentencing, which included the fire in the van for which the defendant had pleaded guilty.

Mr Robinson, the sole director of Ringwood Raceway Ltd, was handed a fine of £3,780, plus a victim surcharge of £190 and court costs of £3,700.

This totalled £7,670 which is to be paid by the defendant in monthly instalments of £500.

Dorset Council safety officers have since worked closely with Mr Robinson to improve his risk assessment following the incident, meaning last year’s firework display was able to proceed with no safety issues, a council spokesperson said.

Cllr Laura Beddow, the council’s portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “I’m very pleased with the sentencing. It’s extremely fortunate that no-one was hurt during this distressing incident, but the risk and fear of harm caused could not be ignored or taken lightly.

“The appropriate measures were not taken by the organisers to prevent uncontrolled fire and explosions, and at a public event – especially one involving fireworks – this was unforgiveable and deserving of further legal action.

“I want to thank the Dorset Council officers in our Food, Safety and Port Health, Trading Standards and Legal teams for their hard work on this case. Through their thorough and robust investigation and resulting prosecution, we’ve been able to demonstrate how seriously we take the safety of Dorset residents.”

Anyone considering storing their own fireworks may need a licence from Dorset Council’s Trading Standards team.

For more information, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/business-consumers-licences/licences-and-permits/explosives-licence.