The prosecution of the owners of the Palace Pier over a rollercoaster accident has been adjourned.

The Health and Safety Executive is accusing the Brighton Marine and Palace Pier Company of putting in danger people travelling on the pier-end Turbo Coaster ride.

A carriage with eight day-trippers was left dangling over a missing piece of track on December 11, 2002.

The pier company and its owners, the Gateshead-based Noble Organisation, were due to enter a plea before Brighton magistrates yesterday but both firms and the safety executive asked for more time and the hearing was adjourned until July 30.

Friday June 11, 2004