Calls for law change after teen's car park fall

Gabriel's family want a change to the law to prevent others going through the same heartbreak

The family of a 15-year-old boy who died in a fall from a multi-storey car park is calling for a change in the law to help prevent future deaths.

Gabriel Santer, 15, from Liverpool, died in October 2020 in the fall from the roof of the city centre building.

His father Jonny said his death was "completely preventable".

MP Maria Eagle presented the bill - named "Gabe's Law" - in Parliament, demanding an increase to the minimum height of barriers on top of car parks.

Mr Santer said: "When I went up to the car park I was deeply shocked and saddened to see the height of the barrier Gabriel fell from was actually hip height."

He described the bill as "crucial" for people to understand how Gabriel "lost his life and it was completely preventable."

'Enforce the law'

A coroner recorded an open verdict at the teenager's inquest, which heard he had been with friends at the time.

Labour MP Ms Eagle said the current legislation - which sets a minimum barrier height of 1.1m - is "not fit for purpose".

"I'm absolutely certain without too much expense there could have been a situation on the top of that car park, when Gabriel was there, that meant he couldn't have fallen." she said.

The bill would see changes to regulations which would require higher barriers for new and existing car parks - as well as staffing.

"If staff were there they could have made sure that Gabriel was safe." Ms Eagle added.

Mr Santer added: "If under current legislation car park owners will not use best practice voluntarily, then we have to enforce the law to do that for them."

Gabriel's family also plan to set up a charity and skate park in the city, to use his love of skateboarding as a way to engage with young people and provide support.