Fine for crashed dump truck

South Yorkshire-based T K Lynskey Excavations has been fined £27,000 after one of its dump trucks went out of control and smashed into a house.

The 27 tonnes, six-wheeled Komatsu truck rolled backwards, crossed a road and smashed into a council house in Bradford in February. No one was injured by the accident.

Bradford Magistrates' Court was told that tests showed the braking system on the truck was "grossly defective".

Prosecutor David Robins said that when the vehicle was jacked up clear of the ground all six wheels could be turned with the brakes applied. He said the front brake fluid reservoir was empty and the rear was down to a minimum. Robins said: "Its general condition was poor."

The contractor, of Kilnhurst, Mexborough, South Yorks, pleaded guilty to three breaches of Health and Safety Regulations and was also ordered to pay costs of £3,000.

Defending the contractor, Patrick Hargan, said that a specialised mechanic has been recruited to carry out spot checks and prevent any similar incidents.