Newry Man Admits Responsibility For Fatal Workplace Accident

By Paul Higgins

A Co Down man has entered a guilty plea to the manslaughter of a man who was tragically killed in a workplace accident.

Appearing in the dock of Newry Crown Court, 52-year-old Walter Manley was re-arraigned on the two charges against him.

Manley, from Loanda 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.

At an earlier hearing, 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.

At the time of the incident it was reported that Mr McCollum was fatally injured at McKinstry Biomass Ltd in the Carnbane Industrial Estate that Monday afternoon.

The firm’s directors described Mr McCollum as one of their “most respected drivers” and expressed their sympathy to his family.

It is understood Mr McCollum was injured by heavy machinery at the premises, which is just off Shepherds Way.

In a statement the firm said: “The directors of the McKinstry Group, Darren and Mark McKinstry, and the entire work force are united in expressing their deepest sympathy for the tragic death of one of their most respected drivers, Ian McCollum.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire McKinstry workforce are with the McCollum family.”

In court today (Mon) Manley’s defence solicitor confirmed a request for an adjournment to allow time for the completion of a pre-sentence report.

He added however, that the ongoing industrial action by criminal barristers might impinge on the plea and sentence being able to proceed.

Judge Paul Ramsey KC said his main concern was for the relatives of Mr McCollum, as delays in the case proceeding cause “extra burdens” for them, as they wait for the case to be dealt with.

He told the solicitor, and prosecuting KC Charles MacCreanor “I would encourage written submissions” from both sides, and that in addition to the PSR, he would also welcome Victim Impact Statements from the victim’s family.

Describing his death as “dreadful and tragic,” Judge Ramsey provisionally scheduled the plea and sentence for 29th June, suggesting that if it cannot go ahead, the family should be alerted.

ENDS