Robert Stevenson

Robert Stevenson prosecutes Farming partnership on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive following a fatal incident.

Farming partnership B A L Ackroyd has been sentenced for safety breaches, following a fatal incident involving a member of the public.

Leeds Crown Court heard that, on 22 February 2017, the deceased was struck by a telescopic loader being driven by farmer Anthony Ackroyd. The incident occurred when Mr Ackroyd was driving the JCB telescopic loader carrying three bales of hay on the front, severely restricting forward visibility. He could not see the deceased and drove over him, killing him instantly.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the deceased had been previously employed on the farm before his retirement, and lived in a cottage adjacent to the farm. He was a regular visitor to the farm, carrying out work such as gardening. In addition, Mr Ackroyd was carrying an employee of the farm who was standing on the mounting step of the vehicle in such a way that had he slipped off the step, he would have fallen directly under the wheels of the machine.

Following a plea of guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) and Section 3 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 the company received a fine of £18,000 and was ordered to pay £10,690 costs.

Robert Stevenson is an A list Specialist regulatory Advocate and is ranked in Tier 1 for Regulatory, Health and Safety, and Licensing – the Legal 500 (2020)

‘Canny and adept at identifying the really important issues. ’ – Legal 500 (2020)

“Practical and very well organised.” – The Legal 500 (2019)

“Charismatic, astute and approachable” – The Legal 500 (2019)

Contact Robert’s clerks

Madeleine Gray on 0113 202 8603

Patrick Urbina on 0113 213 5250