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'Ignorant' crane boss David Saunders fined over death | 'Ignorant' crane boss David Saunders fined over death |
(35 minutes later) | |
A company has been fined £110,000 after a worker was killed when a crane wheel he was dismantling "exploded like a bomb". | A company has been fined £110,000 after a worker was killed when a crane wheel he was dismantling "exploded like a bomb". |
Kenneth Cooke, 62, died while using cutting equipment to separate a split rim wheel while the tyre was inflated. | Kenneth Cooke, 62, died while using cutting equipment to separate a split rim wheel while the tyre was inflated. |
Denbigh-based Sanders Machinery Ltd and director David Sanders were convicted of health and safety breaches an earlier hearing. | Denbigh-based Sanders Machinery Ltd and director David Sanders were convicted of health and safety breaches an earlier hearing. |
Sanders, 70, was also fined £40,000 at Mold Crown Court. | Sanders, 70, was also fined £40,000 at Mold Crown Court. |
The company and Sanders denied failing to ensure Mr Cooke's safety in March 2011 but were found guilty after a trial last month. | The company and Sanders denied failing to ensure Mr Cooke's safety in March 2011 but were found guilty after a trial last month. |
On Tuesday, Judge Rhys Rowlands said it was an accident waiting to happen. | On Tuesday, Judge Rhys Rowlands said it was an accident waiting to happen. |
"The offences are particularly grave because the serious consequences that followed were so obvious," he said. | "The offences are particularly grave because the serious consequences that followed were so obvious," he said. |
'Sheer ignorance' | 'Sheer ignorance' |
"You fell very far short of the standard required of you." | "You fell very far short of the standard required of you." |
He added it was "an entirely avoidable accident". | He added it was "an entirely avoidable accident". |
Judge Rowlands said Sanders was sentenced on the basis of "sheer ignorance" because he was not aware of health and safety guidelines. | Judge Rowlands said Sanders was sentenced on the basis of "sheer ignorance" because he was not aware of health and safety guidelines. |
He told the court, Sanders knew "precious little" about what was required of him to ensure the safety of his employees. | He told the court, Sanders knew "precious little" about what was required of him to ensure the safety of his employees. |
Judge Rowlands said he was unimpressed by photographs showing the yard in pristine condition, which he said was not a reflection of its condition when Mr Cooke died. | Judge Rowlands said he was unimpressed by photographs showing the yard in pristine condition, which he said was not a reflection of its condition when Mr Cooke died. |
The court was told pictures taken at the time of the incident showed a number of clear dangerous practices. | The court was told pictures taken at the time of the incident showed a number of clear dangerous practices. |
He added Sanders had failed to supervise Mr Cooke separating the rim and tyre. | He added Sanders had failed to supervise Mr Cooke separating the rim and tyre. |
Mr John O'Byrne QC, defending, said Sanders was remorseful. | |
After the hearing, Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire council's public protection manager, said employers had a duty to secure the health and safety of their staff. | |
"Mr Sanders' actions and his disregard of his health and safety duties resulted in this tragic event and the council had a duty to take court action against Mr Sanders and his company," he added. | |
"The fines today send out an extremely strong message that breaches of health and safety laws will not be tolerated". |