Center Parcs Worker Acquitted in Fatal Colleague Collision at Woburn Forest Resort
A Center Parcs employee involved in a fatal accident with a colleague has been cleared of causing death by careless driving after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
Tragic Incident at Woburn Forest Resort
John Davies, 66, was operating an electric buggy when it collided with a bicycle ridden by Penny Bulpitt, a 67-year-old supervisor at the Center Parcs Woburn Forest Resort in Millbrook, Bedfordshire. The tragic incident occurred just after midday on September 22, 2023, on what was described as a busy changeover day at the popular holiday destination.
Ms Bulpitt, a grandmother who was loved by everyone who knew her according to her family, sustained a traumatic skull fracture and severe brain injuries in the collision. She was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but tragically passed away the following day.
Court Proceedings and Acquittal
Mr Davies, a resident of Flitwick, was subsequently charged with causing death by careless driving, an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. The trial commenced at Luton Crown Court last month, but proceedings took a dramatic turn when Judge Michael Simon directed the jury to acquit the defendant.
After hearing the prosecution case and considering submissions from both the defence barrister and the prosecutor regarding the evidence, Judge Simon concluded that "as a matter of law, there is insufficient evidence in this case for a jury to convict." He instructed the jury that "the correct verdict, as a matter of law, is not guilty."
Police Investigation and Resort Response
Following the incident, Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler confirmed that both individuals involved were staff members at the site and that authorities were working directly with Center Parcs management. He appealed to anyone who was present in the Pine area of the resort at the time of the accident to come forward with any information they might have witnessed.
Center Parcs issued a statement expressing deep sadness at the passing of their team member and confirming they were in contact with Ms Bulpitt's family while offering support to affected colleagues. The company emphasized they were working closely with all relevant authorities following the tragic incident.
Background on Woburn Forest Resort
The Woburn Forest Resort, where the fatal collision occurred, is one of six Center Parcs locations across the UK and Ireland. This particular site has been operational since 2014, while the first Center Parcs resort opened in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, back in 1987. The company has established itself as a leading provider of short-break holidays in forest environments.
This case follows another recent tragedy at a Center Parcs location, where a 17-year-old teenager died after falling from his skateboard, highlighting the importance of safety protocols at these popular family destinations.
