The "human tragedy" of the legionnaires' outbreak was not just counted in the lives lost but the dozens of other survivors whose health has been irreparably damaged, the prosecution claimed.

Several accounts from survivors were read to the jury to highlight the consequences of an outbreak, which prosecuting solicitor Alistair Webster described as "avoidable and unnecessary".

Dr Nick Gent, who was consultant for the Health Protection Agency for Cumbria and Lancashire at the time of the outbreak, said symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath, sickness and diarrhoea and a dry cough and could leave victims with lasting physical problems and disabilities.

Only the good planning and hard work of health staff prevented greater loss of life, he said.

Brenda Sedgewick, 56, from Ulverston spent 28 days in hospital after falling ill complaining of flu-like symptoms. She still suffered from shortness of breath and was currently taking sleeping pills and anti depressants, she told the court. "I have nothing to look forward to, no focus my life is not worth living most of the time," she said.

Keen sportsman Derek Barker said he felt the steam of the Legionella-contaminated spray from Forum 28 on his face as he walked under it. He spent almost a year in hospital after suffering kidney and lung failure and could no longer enjoy golf, walking and his allotment, he said.