Coroner makes construction firm recommendation

Inquest verdict delivered

An Island construction firm has been told it must learn lessons from a fatal incident, after being fined tens of thousands of pounds.

That's at the conclusion of a high-profile inquest this week.

Mechanical engineer Gareth Sowden died accidentally from injuries he sustained at a site in Kirk Michael in 2013.

Mr Sowden was crushed by a two-and-a-half-tonne tonne sewerage tank he was working on.

He and his colleagues at the construction site were moving the unit.

The inquest heard how it was common to leave structures unsupported whilst doing so.

Tuke and Bell Ltd had to pay out £30,000 for failing to discharge its duty in relation to health and safety over Mr Sowden's death.

Coroner John Needham has told the firm to end the practice of leaving top-heavy structures unsupported.