A father and son have appeared in court after a fatal accident occurred at Ridings Farm, Dundry, where they run a skip hire business and livery.
The pair have been charged with the manslaughter of Lee Mason, a 17-year-old from Knowle, who was working as a farm labourer, when he was dragged into a giant soil recycling machine and crushed to death.
Roy Hill, 63, and his son, Michael, 31, who run family business RE Hill & Son, allegedly failed to place a protective guard on the soil-sifter, which dragged Lee Mason to his death on April 4th last year. Avon Coroner’s Court had previously confirmed that the teenager died when his neck was broken by the machine.
As well as the charge of manslaughter, the father and son also face charges of failing to discharge a duty and contravening the Health and Safety Act. It is alleged they failed to adequately train Lee how to use the machine.
Appearing at Bristol Crown Court the men spoke only to confirm their names. No pleas were entered and a provisional trial date was set for January 12, 2009. They have been remanded on unconditional bail.
