Cradle firm found guilty over deadly platform collapse

A cradle firm is facing massive fines after being found guilty of failing to maintain a platform that collapsed, killing a painter in Sheffield.

Apollo Cradles of Barnsley could face a fine of £100,000 over the accident that killed painter Peter Bottomley on 3 July 2003 and injured his workmate Peter Wilson.

Sheffield Crown Court heard how the cradle had been hanging off the side of St James Building on Vicar Lane in Sheffield for 13-months without a strip-down examination.

A crucial bracket, which had cracked and corroded, snapped, sending four painters plummeting 15m.

Mr Bottomley died while Mr Wilson suffered extensive fractures and internal injuries and can only walk with the aide of crutches.

The court heard Apollo had failed to train the painters, who worked on the platform without complaint even though a winch would jam with a jolt up to five times a day.

The company was found guilty of two counts of breaching health and safety law, after pleading not guilty in the Sheffield Crown Court.

Broadway Construction, the firm that employed the painters, was also found guilty of a health and safety breach after pleading guilty to failing to ensure the safety of its workers.

Both firms are to be sentenced on July 10.