By Paul Higgins
A man has been jailed and a business fined following a fatal workplace accident in Newry in 2022.
While 53-year-old Walter Manley was given a 40-month sentence for manslaughter, McKinstry Biomass Ltd was fined a total of £120,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations.
At an earlier hearing of Newry Crown Court, Manley, from Luanda Crescent in Newry, entered a guilty plea to the manslaughter of Ian McCollum on 24 January 2022 and that being an employee, he was in breach of his duty to others on the same date.
He was ordered to serve half his sentence in custody, and half under supervised licence conditions.
McKinstry Biomass Ltd, with an address at Carbane Business Park in Newry, entered guilty pleas to two counts of failing to ensure the health and safety of others and one of failing to make an appropriate risk assessment.
Commenting, Detective Constable Beck said: “On 24th January 2022 52-year-old Ian McCollum was fatally injured in a workplace accident at McKinstry Biomass Ltd at Carnbane Business Park in Newry.
“Mr McCollum was struck by a tele handler that was being driven by Manley. He sadly passed away at the scene due to the extent of his injuries – leaving his family devastated by their loss.
The victim’s wife and son released a statement: “We remain devastated at losing Ian. He was a devoted and thoughtful husband and father whose life revolved around us and his love of farming. He loved life and loved us. The future without him will be very difficult.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 