| |
‘Error’ by digger driver claims life of pensioner
A “MUCH-loved and respected” pensioner was killed in a freak accident when he left his Maida Vale home to buy a newspaper.
Joseph Johnston, 81, was on the pavement in Sutherland Avenue when he was crushed by debris from a mechanical digger bucket, the Old Bailey heard.
A “one-off human error” by experienced digger operator Colin Clifford led to the tragedy, said Judge Paul Worsley.
Mr Clifford, 48, of Chapter Road, Cricklewood, admitted a breach of health and safety law over the death of Mr Johnston, of Saltram Crescent, Maida Vale.
Mr Johnston suffered multiple fractures and died in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington soon after being injured at 11am on February 2 last year.
Judge Worsley fined Mr Clifford £2,500 and ordered him to pay £1,250 costs after hearing he was a “hard worker” with a good record in safety.
Prosecuting, Claire Harden said he was working on the replacement of Victorian water mains when he “pulled the wrong lever” in the digger cab and the hanging bucket opened as Mr Johnston passed. |
 |
|
| |
| |
