ALTON Towers operator Merlin faced significant fines yesterday after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches over a horrific crash that seriously injured five people.

Vicky Balch and Leah Washington required leg amputations following the incident involving the popular Smiler roller coaster.

Three others, Daniel Thorpe, Joe Pugh and Chandaben Chauhan were also injured when the carriage they were in collided with another that had stopped on the track on June 2 last year.

Stewarts Law head of personal injury Paul Paxton, who is representing a number of the victims, said: “It is comforting for the families that a plea of guilty has been entered rather than the victims having to endure a drawn-out trial.

“Today is not seen as a victory. The families are not motivated by retribution, but inevitably this guilty plea will be a milestone along the way to psychological rehabilitation. Regrettably the physical recovery will be a lifelong process.”

Merlin had previously accepted responsibility for the crash after carrying out its own internal investigation following the incident.

Merlin’s counsel Simon Antrobus entered the guilty plea on behalf of the operator at North Staffordshire justice centre.

The prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive. The executive’s head of Midlands operations Neil Craig said: “Merlin has acknowledged that it failed in its legal duty to protect people on the Smiler ride.

“Those injured on June 2 last year had every right to expect a carefree and fun day out.

“The incident was profoundly distressing for everyone involved, both physically and mentally — it left some with life-changing injuries.

“We hope this first milestone will help those affected to continue their recovery from this tragic incident.”