Shropshire boss to face trial after fatal crash
A Shropshire company and its manager will stand trial next year after an employee was hit by a car and died outside the business.
Arkenfield Stable Hire Ltd based on Ellesmere Road in Bronington near Whitchurch, is charged with failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees by failing to ensure a safe system of work in connection with the arrival, parking and departure of vehicles at the premises.
General manager Phillip Sutton faces a similar charge which alleges that the offence was attributable to his neglect.
Philip Ledward, 62, died when he was hit by a car near the entrance to the yard in November 2011. He was allegedly directing traffic. Mr Ledward, a mechanic from Bathfield Crescent, Whitchurch, was one of three employees who were said to have gone to help when one of the company's lorries arrived at the entrance.
At Mold Crown Court yesterday, Mr Sutton pleaded not guilty and defending barrister Dominic Kay entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the company.
The trial is due to start on January 25.
