Scottish Power fined £130,000 over Shropshire man's death
Energy firm Scottish Power has been fined £130,000 after failing to maintain an electrical system which led to the death of a 20-year-old Shropshire mechanic. Energy firm Scottish Power has been fined £130,000 after failing to maintain an electrical system which led to the death of a 20-year-old Shropshire mechanic who was trying to warn people about a power cable which had come loose in high winds. Simon Lines, of Prees, was standing on a verge of the A49 Whitchurch Road on January 2, 2007 warning motorists of the sagging cable when a lorry knocked it to the ground. It was hit by another vehicle and whipped round the head of Mr Lines. He suffered serious head injuries, including three fractures of the skull, and died a few days later in hospital. At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, Scottish Power PLC admitted failing to maintain its electrical connection to Holly House, near Prees, Whitchurch, contrary to health and safety regulations.
A power company has been fined £130,000 for failing to maintain part of its network which resulted in the death of a Shropshire mechanic.
Simon Lines, of Prees, was on a verge of the A49 at Prees on January 2, 2007, warning motorists of a sagging cable when a lorry knocked it to the ground.
It was hit by another vehicle and whipped round the head of Mr Lines.
He suffered serious head injuries, including three fractures of the skull, and died a few days later in hospital.
At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, Scottish Power PLC, which admitted failing to maintain its electrical connection to Holly House, near Prees, Whitchurch, contrary to health and safety regulations, was fined £130,000 and ordered to pay £48,000 costs.
Mr Adam Farrer, prosecuting, said: "The prosecution case against the defendant is that they failed to ensure the electricity supply attached to Holly House was fitted safely and securely."
Mr Stuart Denney, for Scottish Power, said: "The company is horrified that there should be any connection with fault on its behalf to the death of a thoroughly decent and admirable young man."
