A FRENCH company has been found guilty of breaching health and safety law after the death of a student on a rollercoaster.

Durham University student Gemma Savage, 20, died five years ago after two cars collided on the Treetop Twister ride, at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Ride manufacturer Reverchon Industries SA was yesterday found guilty of failing to ensure the ride's safe design and construction, and failing to give information necessary to ensure it was safe when open to the public.

Reverchon, which has gone into liquidation since the incident, took no part in the court proceedings and failed to enter a plea.

Speaking after the trial at Leeds Crown Court, Miss Savage's mother, Linda, said: "We are pleased and relieved that the jury have found Reverchon guilty of their errors and the part they have played in Gemma's death.

"But we are disappointed and angry that they have ignored these proceedings throughout."

The court heard that Miss Savage, a biomedical science undergraduate from Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, was on the rollercoaster with her boyfriend, Joseph Shimmin, when their car collided at high speed with another car.

Miss Savage's head was thrown backwards on to a protruding bolt. She was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary, where she died of head and neck injuries.

The court was told a wiring error that should have been discovered during Reverchon's testing meant the ride's control system was unsafe.

The court also heard that training provided by the Paris company to Lightwater staff was insufficient.

Park owners Lightwater Valley Attractions Limited and maintenance engineer Eric Butters, of Fairways Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, have admitted charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

All three parties will be sentenced next Friday.