Cambridge on trial for radioactive loss

Cambridge University has pleaded guilty to three breaches of health and safety law following the loss of a radioactive substance, revealed exclusively by The THES last year.

A further five alleged breaches of the law, denied by Cambridge, will be heard in the crown court. The university faced prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency for eight breaches of two acts of Parliament at Cambridge magistrates court this week. Magistrates could have imposed a maximum fine of Pounds 85,000, but at crown court the fine is unlimited. A directions hearing will be held at the crown court in September. An HSE spokeswoman said Cambridge was failing to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.