Roofer's death was 'preventable'

A court has heard that a roofer suffered fatal injuries when he fell 6m through a skylight after his boss failed to carry out a risk assessment.

Darren Hoofe, 20, was working at the Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield, East Sussex when the accident happened on 29 November 2005.

Jurors at Hove Crown Court were told Hoofe was not wearing a harness and there was no safety net, according to the BBC.

Colin Cooper, 48, owner of Hailsham-based IC Roofing Ltd, denies manslaughter due to gross negligence.

Cooper, of London Road, Hailsham, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of an employee under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at an earlier hearing.

"The death of Darren Hoofe was entirely preventable had Colin Cooper identified the specific risks involved in the job." Brian Altman QC said.

The trial continues.