THE owner of South Lakes Safari Zoo appeared in court today charged with alleged health and safety breaches relating to the death of a big cat keeper who was mauled to death by a tiger.

The Dalton zoo, and its owner David Gill, is being prosecuted by Barrow Borough Council following the authority’s investigation into the death of 24-year-old Sarah Louise McClay.

Wearing a pin-striped suit, Mr Gill, of Broughton Road, Dalton, spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address at Furness Magistrates Court this afternoon.

The 54-year-old offered no indication of plea to a total of 14 charges - seven of which are against him, and seven against the company. 

In relation to her death, the zoo faces charges of contravening an improvement notice, breaching their duty to employees by not ensuring their safety and contravening health and safety regulations in relation to a risk assessment for his employees.

The same three offences are alleged against Mr Gill, and the zoo, following an incident on July 18 2014 where a different zoo keeper, Yasmin Walker, fell from a pole while placing meat for the big cats.

There was also charges of breaching his general duty to persons other than an employee on the day Ms McClay died.

All seven offences are also alleged in relation to Mr Gill in his capacity of director of the company.

Paul Rogers, representing Mr Gill, said matters relating to the Ms Walker's fall from the ladder could be heard at magistrates' court but District Judge Gerald Chalk ruled all matters should be heard at crown court together.

Mr Gill will now appear for a preliminary hearing at Preston Crown Court on October 23. 

Ms McClay suffered fatal injuries when attacked by one of the zoo's Sumatran tigers on May 24, 2013.