The Co Tyrone firm behind Clogher Mart was fined £12,500 following the death of a man at the mart two years ago.

Clogher Valley Livestock Producers pleaded guilty to one breach of health and safety legislation at Dungannon Court, following an incident in which farmer Harry McAnespie died after being struck by a gate at the livestock mart in June 2018.

Steel gate

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) said Mr McAnespie had been struck by an inadequately maintained steel stock-proof gate when a young bull had attempted to jump over the gate. The incident resulted in Mr McAnespie receiving serious head injuries.

A defective latch meant the gate could not close properly. This type of gate is common in this mart and throughout the industry, according to HSENI.

Its inspector Sean Keogh said: “Employers must ensure that all plant and machinery is properly maintained in an efficient state and in efficient working order to protect both their employees and members of the public.”

Clogher Valley Livestock Producers was fined £12,500 for breaching Article 5(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

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