SCHOOLGIRL spectator hit on the head by an ice hockey puck at a Belfast Giants match is seeking a landmark award of up to £30,000 damages.
Lawyers for the teenager told the High Court inadequate barriers were erected to stop her from being injured. The girl is claiming negligence in a lawsuit brought against the owners of both the Odyssey Arena and
the Belfast Giants. The girl was aged 12 when she was hit during a warmup session before a match at the arena in September 2008.
She sustained a wound above her left eye which required four stitches and left her permanently scarred, the court heard.
In their claim against the Odyssey Trust Company Ltd and the Belfast Giants 2008 Ltd, lawyers for the girl failed to carry out a proper risk assessment.
It was also alleged that allowing multiple pucks to be used in a warmup session without a referee's super-vision was negligent.
Counsel for the defendants argued that everything possible was done to ensure spectator safety.
Mr Justice Gillen reserved judgment.