23.01.2008
Car Accident Results In Fine
A supermarket has pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation over the death of a father-of-three.
Kenneth Farr, 37, was in his car which was struck by an unsecured steel barrier at Asda in Cardiff Bay, South Wales, on May 14, 2002.
His daughter Jessica escaped unharmed, but Mr Farr, of Penarth, South Wales, later died.
An inquest jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing following a hearing in March 2006.
Asda Stores Limited was prosecuted by Cardiff Council and admitted two charges at Newport Crown Court.
Judge Nicholas Cooke QC fined the firm £225,000 and ordered it to pay £42,006.25p costs.
He told Mr Farr's family: "I appreciate nothing I can do can reach the sort of levels you might regard as being appropriate."
He added the barrier was installed for an "entirely proper reason", but claimed the company failed to identify the potential risk it posed.
"Nothing I can do or say in this case can do anything to assuage the effect of the consequences of the incident," he said.
Copyright © PA Business 2008
David Urpeth, Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: This tragic case demonstrates the terrible consequences which can follow where organisations fail to adequately assess the risks their operations pose to members of the public.
"I represent many individuals who have been injured or killed in accidents in public places."
Press Contact
