University scientists reveal hunting secrets of tiny predator
Scientists in Cambridge have revealed how a fly
manages the complex feat of taking off
, intercepting its prey in mid-air and then injecting it with venom, all in under than a second.
What a nice sounding fella...
The team at Cambridge University used high speed cameras to film the actions of the robber fly.
Paloma Gonzalez-Bellido from the university explained that normally "when we think of hunting animals we think of excellent vision and speed, but when you're so very tiny, you have a very small brain and limited sensory capacity".
"We wanted to know how this fly manages this predatory behaviour," he said.
They discovered its eyes are specifically adapted to the task. Larger lenses and a high density of extremely tiny sensors at the centre of its eyes allow it to see its prey from a distance, and to accurately "lock on" as it approaches.
This forlorn fella had to have his legs splinted after managing to break both of them - making take-off and landing a bit of an issue.
He was found on a footpath near Peterborough and taken to Fenland Animal Rescue, where volunteers are nursing him back to health.
The charity's founder, Josh Flanagan, said the bird was lucky to have been spotted as "due to their natural camouflage, they are a rare sight indeed".
He's been put in a "natural" outdoor enclosure to minimise stress and it's hoped he will recover sufficiently to be released back to the wild.
"While some people will choose to euthanise an animal early on with similar injuries, we will always try to help it if we believe a successful outcome is achievable," Mr Flanagan added.
Andrew Hasler murder: Police congratulate 'selfless bravery' of neighbour
Police have revealed the actions of Mr Hasler's neighbour managed to save the life of Sharpe's ex-girlfriend, who was also attacked by Sharpe at the house on Houghton Road.
Detectives were told how a neighbour had gone round to the house after he heard a commotion going on inside.
The neighbour was confronted by Sharpe, from St Neots, on top of Charna Knights - Sharpe's ex-girlfriend - repeatedly stabbing her, while Mr Hasler lay severely injured on the floor.
The neighbour managed to pull Sharpe off Ms Knights and kick the knife out of his hand before restraining him, but Sharpe managed to get away.
Another officer then reported they had stopped a silver Peugeot at the Harrison Road Bridge over the River Ouse and the suspect had jumped into the river.
He was pulled out and found to have self-inflicted injuries.
Sharpe was taken to hospital, where he remained for two nights before he was charged.
An elderly man had to be rescued after becoming trapped in his car when it ended upside down in a water-filled ditch.
The accident happened along March Road in Turves on Thursday afternoon.
Cambs Fire and Rescue ServiceCopyright: Cambs Fire and Rescue Service
Three crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service helped get the man out of the car, which was stuck in about 3ft (0.9m) of water.
He was taken to the safety of dry land on an "inflatable water sled".
The man was checked by paramedics at the scene, but was not injured. Just a bit wet.
Corrie Mckeague: Search for airman continues at landfill site
Helen Burchell
BBC News
As the search for
missing RAF airman Corrie Mckeague
enters its fifth day, we've been sent the latest images from the landfill site at Milton, near Cambridge.
Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk
Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk
The 23-year-old gunner was last seen on a night out in Bury St Edmunds in the early hours of 24 September.
Police traced the route of a bin lorry that picked up refuse from the Horseshoe area of the town, where Mr Mckeague was last seen on CCTV.
They now say they are "confident" his body will be found at the landfill site.
Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk
Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk
Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk
It could take the team of eight trained officers up to 10 weeks to sift through the rubbish, which covers an area of about 920 sq m (9,900 sq ft).
Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk
Substandard bridges in Cambridgeshire
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
More than 2,500 bridges in England are not fit to support the heaviest lorries, a
study has found
.
The RAC Foundation discovered 2,512 council-maintained bridges are not suitable for 44-tonne vehicles.
It includes 64 of the 878 bridges in Cambridgeshire. That's 7% of council-maintained bridges not up to holding the heaviest loads.
In Peterborough, 14 of the 369 bridges are substandard.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Both Peterborough City Council and the county council were asked how many bridges would return to full
load capacity in the next five years.
Cambridgeshire County Council is expecting to restore 16. Peterborough, however, won't be restoring any.
The councils were also asked how many would be restored to full load carrying capacity if there was no restriction on resources.
The county council said 36. Peterborough said all 14 would be restored.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation which carried out the research, said: "In the face of growing traffic volumes and ageing infrastructure, the danger is that without an adequate long-term funding settlement we will see more rather than fewer bridges with weight restrictions, with the backlog bill getting bigger all the time."
Construction begins on new insulation factory
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
Up to 160 jobs are coming to Huntingdon as the construction of a new factory begins.
Insulation company IKO is building a nine acre (40,000 sq m) site at Alconbury Weald.
IKOCopyright: IKO
IKOCopyright: IKO
The factory is costing £30m and will manufacture and store insulation board for roofs, floors and walls.
Back in August, concerns was raised by residents over IKO's plans to store 49 tonnes of flammable chemical Pentane, used in the process of making the insulation foam, at the site.
In response, a spokesman for IKO said it understood "natural concern over the storage of chemicals", but reassured residents the substance was "less volatile than petrol and will be stored in lower amounts than the fuel at a typical petrol station".
However, it obtained planning permission and it's due to open in March next year.
If you've been sat in queues on the A1 around Brampton Hut this morning, here's why...
The road remains closed northbound after a crash involving a police firearms vehicle and a Land Rover Discovery.
The driver of the Land Rover, which flipped and
landed on its roof, walked away with minor injuries.
The two police officers, who were in the
marked police BMW, also suffered minor injuries.
Police said the firearms unit was on its way to training and not responding to a 999 call.
The northbound carriageway, between Brampton Hut and the Spittals interchange, will remain closed "for some time" while officers look into happened, a spokeswoman said.
St Ives stabbing: Man admits murder and attempted murder
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
As we mentioned earlier, a man has admitted murdering a 28-year-old man by stabbing him to death.
Matthew Sharpe, 40, of Humberley Close, Eynesbury, St Neots, killed Andrew Hasler at his home on Houghton Road, St Ives, on 8 January.
Sharpe also admitted the attempted murder of 27-year-old Charna Knights, who was at the same property.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Mr Hasler suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and died at the scene. Ms Knights was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and survived.
Appearing at Cambridge Crown Court by video-link from Bedford Prison, wearing glasses and a black T-shirt, Sharpe spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his guilty pleas.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on 7 April.
In a statement, Mr Hasler's family paid tribute, saying: "Andrew was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.
"Kind-hearted and living his life to the full, he came into the world early and has left us far too soon. We miss you, Andrew."
'Systemic failure' after teenager drowned on day out while in care
Castle Homes Limited, which ran Castle Lodge home for young people in Cambridgeshire, admitted breaching health and safety regulations.
Outlining the prosecution case, Quentin Hunt said employees of the home had taken boys on a trip to Bawsey Pits near King's Lynn on 16 July 2013.
The staff made no efforts to stop Umar Balogun, 16, and another boy from getting into the water even though there were a number of "no swimming" signs.
Ray Sullivan/GeographCopyright: Ray Sullivan/Geograph
Mr Hunt said: "Mr Balogun was seen to duck under the water and did not reappear.
"Mr Balogun may have got caught out by the changing depth. He subsequently became entangled in weeds and drowned.
"A diver was sent to the scene and subsequently recovered the body."
Castle Lodge offered one-to-one care of youngsters who "showed signs of sexually inappropriate behaviour", the court heard.
Mr Hunt, for the Health and Safety Executive, said that while there were "generic risk assessments", individual assessments were not made for trips like the one to the pits.
The lawyer said there was "systemic failure" at Castle Lodge which went on over a "long period".
St Ives stabbing: St Neots man admits murder
Helen Burchell
BBC News
A man has admitted stabbing a man to death in St Ives.
Matthew Sharpe, 40, of
Eynesbury, St Neots, attacked Andrew Hasler, 28, at his home on Houghton Road,
St Ives, on 8 January.
Mr Hasler (pictured) was found at his home with stab wounds to his chest. He died at the scene.
Sharpe pleaded guilty to his murder at Cambridge Crown Court and also admitted attempting to murder a woman, 27, who was seriously injured at the house.
He appeared at court via video link and will be sentenced at a later date.
BreakingMan admits St Ives murder
Matthew Sharpe, 40, of Eynesbury, St Neots, has admitted murdering Andrew Hasler, 28,
at his home in Houghton Road, St Ives, in January.
More to follow.
Good samaritans intervene as woman pensioner is mugged
Passers-by came to the help of a 77-year-old woman as she fell victim to an attempted robbery in Newmarket earlier this week.
Members of the public managed to detain the suspect in the attack which left the woman with cuts and bruises - for which she required hospital treatment - in Exeter Road around 19:10 on Wednesday.
She had been the victim of a bag snatch as she walked along the road, near to the junction with Rayes Lane.
A 25-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the attempted robbery and is due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates' Court today.
Police say they would like to thank the members of the public who helped.
Dion Dublin among U's quartet inducted into Hall of Fame
Nick Fairbairn
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire sport
The Cambridge United Hall of Fame opened its doors last night, as four club legends were inducted.
On the list at last night's ceremony were former players Dion Dublin (right) and Paul
Wanless (left), player and manager John Beck (centre) and groundsman Ian Darler.
Simon LankesterCopyright: Simon Lankester
The Hall of Fame was set up in 2016 by
100 Years of Coconuts
- the heritage arm of Cambridge United supporters' trust CFU - a recognises outstanding contributions to the development and history of the football club.
The latest four join player-supporter Russell Crane, player Rodney Slack and supporter Lil Harrison, who were inducted at the Hall of Fame launch ceremony last summer.
"The word 'legend' is bandied about too freely in football, but it's an apt description for each of tonight's four inductees," said Coconuts chair Pat Morgan.
"They all have a special place in the hearts of everyone connected with Cambridge United."
Firm fined £100,000 after drowning in Norfolk pit
Nic Rigby
BBC News
A firm has been ordered to pay £100,000 after a 16-year-old boy in its care
drowned on a trip to an old sand quarry in Norfolk.
At the Old Bailey, Judge Mark Dennis QC ordered Castle Homes to pay a fine of £80,000 and £20,000 prosecution costs to the Health and Safety Executive.
He said the death exposed "flaws in the system" as well as "obvious errors" on the day, including failing to make a risk assessment for the trip.
Both staff members who went on the trip were "raw recruits" when there was another more experienced person who could have gone, he said.
Live Reporting
Adam Jinkerson
All times stated are UK
Get involved
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A man from St Neots admitting to killing a man from St Ives
- Substandard bridges in Cambridgeshire
- A crash on the A1 involving a police firearms vehicle
-
The latest inductees to the Cambridge United Hall of Fame
BBCCopyright: BBC Fenland Animal RescueCopyright: Fenland Animal Rescue Cambridgeshire PoliceCopyright: Cambridgeshire Police Cambs Fire and Rescue ServiceCopyright: Cambs Fire and Rescue Service Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk Paperpix.ukCopyright: Paperpix.uk BBCCopyright: BBC IKOCopyright: IKO IKOCopyright: IKO BBCCopyright: BBC Evelyn Simak/GeographCopyright: Evelyn Simak/Geograph Ray Sullivan/GeographCopyright: Ray Sullivan/Geograph Cambridgeshire PoliceCopyright: Cambridgeshire Police Simon LankesterCopyright: Simon Lankester BBCCopyright: BBC
Latest PostOur live coverage for the week
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
That's it from us today and indeed this week. We'll be back from 08:00 on Monday.
It's been a busy one today, so if you missed anything scroll back through the feed to read more on...
Stay tuned to the BBC Cambridgeshire website over the weekend for any breaking news, plus a round up of the local football.
Have a great weekend. I'm off to put my feet up.
Evening weather update: Foggy tonight, bright tomorrow
Julie Reinger
BBC Look East weather
It will be a largely cloudy night with some patchy mist, fog and drizzle. It will also be very mild, with lows of 7C (45F).
Any mist and fog will clear on Saturday morning and, after a mainly cloudy start, we should see some brightness and sunshine developing.
In the best of any sunshine, temperatures could climb as high as 18C (64F).
There'll be a light wind between the south-west and south-east.
Find the latest weather where you live on the BBC Weather website .
University scientists reveal hunting secrets of tiny predator
Scientists in Cambridge have revealed how a fly manages the complex feat of taking off , intercepting its prey in mid-air and then injecting it with venom, all in under than a second.
What a nice sounding fella...
The team at Cambridge University used high speed cameras to film the actions of the robber fly.
Paloma Gonzalez-Bellido from the university explained that normally "when we think of hunting animals we think of excellent vision and speed, but when you're so very tiny, you have a very small brain and limited sensory capacity".
"We wanted to know how this fly manages this predatory behaviour," he said.
They discovered its eyes are specifically adapted to the task. Larger lenses and a high density of extremely tiny sensors at the centre of its eyes allow it to see its prey from a distance, and to accurately "lock on" as it approaches.
The results are published in the journal Current Biology .
Broken legs scupper flight plans
Helen Burchell
BBC News
Can you spot this feathered friend among the leaves?
This forlorn fella had to have his legs splinted after managing to break both of them - making take-off and landing a bit of an issue.
He was found on a footpath near Peterborough and taken to Fenland Animal Rescue, where volunteers are nursing him back to health.
The charity's founder, Josh Flanagan, said the bird was lucky to have been spotted as "due to their natural camouflage, they are a rare sight indeed".
He's been put in a "natural" outdoor enclosure to minimise stress and it's hoped he will recover sufficiently to be released back to the wild.
"While some people will choose to euthanise an animal early on with similar injuries, we will always try to help it if we believe a successful outcome is achievable," Mr Flanagan added.
Andrew Hasler murder: Police congratulate 'selfless bravery' of neighbour
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
Following the guilty pleas of Matthew Sharpe, who admitted killing Andrew Hasler and attempting to murder Charna Knights in St Ives, Det Insp Lucy Thomson said: "Charna suffered multiple stab wounds and thankfully made a recovery, however medics were unable to save Andrew.
"Although suffering multiple stab wounds, a post-mortem examination of Andrew concluded he died of a single stab wound to his heart.
"I would like to pay tribute to the selfless bravery of Andrew's next-door neighbour who put his own life at risk in order to help Charna.
"His actions that day ultimately saved her life."
Andrew Hasler murder: Neighbour 'kicked knife' out of murderer's hand
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
More now on the Andrew Hasler case, whose killer Matthew Sharpe (below) admitted murdering the 28-year-old at the victim's home in St Ives .
Police have revealed the actions of Mr Hasler's neighbour managed to save the life of Sharpe's ex-girlfriend, who was also attacked by Sharpe at the house on Houghton Road.
Detectives were told how a neighbour had gone round to the house after he heard a commotion going on inside.
The neighbour was confronted by Sharpe, from St Neots, on top of Charna Knights - Sharpe's ex-girlfriend - repeatedly stabbing her, while Mr Hasler lay severely injured on the floor.
The neighbour managed to pull Sharpe off Ms Knights and kick the knife out of his hand before restraining him, but Sharpe managed to get away.
Another officer then reported they had stopped a silver Peugeot at the Harrison Road Bridge over the River Ouse and the suspect had jumped into the river.
He was pulled out and found to have self-inflicted injuries.
Sharpe was taken to hospital, where he remained for two nights before he was charged.
Ex-boyfriend admits knife attack murder
Matthew Sharpe repeatedly stabbed his former girlfriend in the attack in which Andrew Hesler was killed.
Read moreMan rescued from car in water-filled ditch
Helen Burchell
BBC News
An elderly man had to be rescued after becoming trapped in his car when it ended upside down in a water-filled ditch.
The accident happened along March Road in Turves on Thursday afternoon.
Three crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service helped get the man out of the car, which was stuck in about 3ft (0.9m) of water.
He was taken to the safety of dry land on an "inflatable water sled".
The man was checked by paramedics at the scene, but was not injured. Just a bit wet.
Corrie Mckeague: Search for airman continues at landfill site
Helen Burchell
BBC News
As the search for missing RAF airman Corrie Mckeague enters its fifth day, we've been sent the latest images from the landfill site at Milton, near Cambridge.
The 23-year-old gunner was last seen on a night out in Bury St Edmunds in the early hours of 24 September.
Police traced the route of a bin lorry that picked up refuse from the Horseshoe area of the town, where Mr Mckeague was last seen on CCTV.
They now say they are "confident" his body will be found at the landfill site.
It could take the team of eight trained officers up to 10 weeks to sift through the rubbish, which covers an area of about 920 sq m (9,900 sq ft).
Substandard bridges in Cambridgeshire
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
More than 2,500 bridges in England are not fit to support the heaviest lorries, a study has found .
The RAC Foundation discovered 2,512 council-maintained bridges are not suitable for 44-tonne vehicles.
It includes 64 of the 878 bridges in Cambridgeshire. That's 7% of council-maintained bridges not up to holding the heaviest loads.
In Peterborough, 14 of the 369 bridges are substandard.
Both Peterborough City Council and the county council were asked how many bridges would return to full load capacity in the next five years.
Cambridgeshire County Council is expecting to restore 16. Peterborough, however, won't be restoring any.
The councils were also asked how many would be restored to full load carrying capacity if there was no restriction on resources.
The county council said 36. Peterborough said all 14 would be restored.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation which carried out the research, said: "In the face of growing traffic volumes and ageing infrastructure, the danger is that without an adequate long-term funding settlement we will see more rather than fewer bridges with weight restrictions, with the backlog bill getting bigger all the time."
Construction begins on new insulation factory
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
Up to 160 jobs are coming to Huntingdon as the construction of a new factory begins.
Insulation company IKO is building a nine acre (40,000 sq m) site at Alconbury Weald.
The factory is costing £30m and will manufacture and store insulation board for roofs, floors and walls.
Back in August, concerns was raised by residents over IKO's plans to store 49 tonnes of flammable chemical Pentane, used in the process of making the insulation foam, at the site.
In response, a spokesman for IKO said it understood "natural concern over the storage of chemicals", but reassured residents the substance was "less volatile than petrol and will be stored in lower amounts than the fuel at a typical petrol station".
However, it obtained planning permission and it's due to open in March next year.
Care firm to pay £100k after boy's death
The Old Bailey heard 'system failure' led to the drowning of a 16-year-old boy at a Norfolk quarry.
Read morePolice firearms vehicle involved in A1 crash
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
If you've been sat in queues on the A1 around Brampton Hut this morning, here's why...
The road remains closed northbound after a crash involving a police firearms vehicle and a Land Rover Discovery.
The driver of the Land Rover, which flipped and landed on its roof, walked away with minor injuries.
The two police officers, who were in the marked police BMW, also suffered minor injuries.
Police said the firearms unit was on its way to training and not responding to a 999 call.
The northbound carriageway, between Brampton Hut and the Spittals interchange, will remain closed "for some time" while officers look into happened, a spokeswoman said.
St Ives stabbing: Man admits murder and attempted murder
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
As we mentioned earlier, a man has admitted murdering a 28-year-old man by stabbing him to death.
Matthew Sharpe, 40, of Humberley Close, Eynesbury, St Neots, killed Andrew Hasler at his home on Houghton Road, St Ives, on 8 January.
Sharpe also admitted the attempted murder of 27-year-old Charna Knights, who was at the same property.
Mr Hasler suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and died at the scene. Ms Knights was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and survived.
Appearing at Cambridge Crown Court by video-link from Bedford Prison, wearing glasses and a black T-shirt, Sharpe spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his guilty pleas.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on 7 April.
In a statement, Mr Hasler's family paid tribute, saying: "Andrew was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.
"Kind-hearted and living his life to the full, he came into the world early and has left us far too soon. We miss you, Andrew."
'Systemic failure' after teenager drowned on day out while in care
Nic Rigby
BBC News
We reported earlier that a firm had been ordered to pay £100,000 after a 16-year-old boy in its care drowned at an old sand quarry at Bawsey Pits near King's Lynn.
Castle Homes Limited, which ran Castle Lodge home for young people in Cambridgeshire, admitted breaching health and safety regulations.
Outlining the prosecution case, Quentin Hunt said employees of the home had taken boys on a trip to Bawsey Pits near King's Lynn on 16 July 2013.
The staff made no efforts to stop Umar Balogun, 16, and another boy from getting into the water even though there were a number of "no swimming" signs.
Mr Hunt said: "Mr Balogun was seen to duck under the water and did not reappear.
"Mr Balogun may have got caught out by the changing depth. He subsequently became entangled in weeds and drowned.
"A diver was sent to the scene and subsequently recovered the body."
Castle Lodge offered one-to-one care of youngsters who "showed signs of sexually inappropriate behaviour", the court heard.
Mr Hunt, for the Health and Safety Executive, said that while there were "generic risk assessments", individual assessments were not made for trips like the one to the pits.
The lawyer said there was "systemic failure" at Castle Lodge which went on over a "long period".
St Ives stabbing: St Neots man admits murder
Helen Burchell
BBC News
A man has admitted stabbing a man to death in St Ives.
Matthew Sharpe, 40, of Eynesbury, St Neots, attacked Andrew Hasler, 28, at his home on Houghton Road, St Ives, on 8 January.
Mr Hasler (pictured) was found at his home with stab wounds to his chest. He died at the scene.
Sharpe pleaded guilty to his murder at Cambridge Crown Court and also admitted attempting to murder a woman, 27, who was seriously injured at the house.
He appeared at court via video link and will be sentenced at a later date.
BreakingMan admits St Ives murder
Matthew Sharpe, 40, of Eynesbury, St Neots, has admitted murdering Andrew Hasler, 28, at his home in Houghton Road, St Ives, in January.
More to follow.
Good samaritans intervene as woman pensioner is mugged
Passers-by came to the help of a 77-year-old woman as she fell victim to an attempted robbery in Newmarket earlier this week.
Members of the public managed to detain the suspect in the attack which left the woman with cuts and bruises - for which she required hospital treatment - in Exeter Road around 19:10 on Wednesday.
She had been the victim of a bag snatch as she walked along the road, near to the junction with Rayes Lane.
A 25-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the attempted robbery and is due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates' Court today.
Police say they would like to thank the members of the public who helped.
Dion Dublin among U's quartet inducted into Hall of Fame
Nick Fairbairn
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire sport
The Cambridge United Hall of Fame opened its doors last night, as four club legends were inducted.
On the list at last night's ceremony were former players Dion Dublin (right) and Paul Wanless (left), player and manager John Beck (centre) and groundsman Ian Darler.
The Hall of Fame was set up in 2016 by 100 Years of Coconuts - the heritage arm of Cambridge United supporters' trust CFU - a recognises outstanding contributions to the development and history of the football club.
The latest four join player-supporter Russell Crane, player Rodney Slack and supporter Lil Harrison, who were inducted at the Hall of Fame launch ceremony last summer.
"The word 'legend' is bandied about too freely in football, but it's an apt description for each of tonight's four inductees," said Coconuts chair Pat Morgan.
"They all have a special place in the hearts of everyone connected with Cambridge United."
Firm fined £100,000 after drowning in Norfolk pit
Nic Rigby
BBC News
A firm has been ordered to pay £100,000 after a 16-year-old boy in its care drowned on a trip to an old sand quarry in Norfolk.
Castle Homes Limited, which ran the Castle Lodge home for young people in Cambridgeshire, admitted breaching health and safety regulations over the incident in July 2013 .
Two support workers also faced charges over the death of Umar Balogun, from Waltham Forest, north-east London, at Bawsey Pits near King's Lynn, but were cleared following a trial at King's Lynn Crown Court .
At the Old Bailey, Judge Mark Dennis QC ordered Castle Homes to pay a fine of £80,000 and £20,000 prosecution costs to the Health and Safety Executive.
He said the death exposed "flaws in the system" as well as "obvious errors" on the day, including failing to make a risk assessment for the trip.
Both staff members who went on the trip were "raw recruits" when there was another more experienced person who could have gone, he said.