News

Pembroke Dock: Accidental death verdict following cherry picker fall

Published

10 years ago

March 27, 2015

AN INQUEST into the death of Stephen John Greenaway from Colport, who died after falling from a cherry picker at Mustang Marine in June 2013 was held at Milford Haven Town Hall on March 26.

Jeremy Davies, the coroner’s officer, said that Stephen had been fifty-years-old from Wolverhampton. He was a scout leader and was a healthy man, who was hardly ever ill. He worked for Advanced Door Engineering, where he installed doors and was a health and safety conductor. The company sub-contracted from Shufflebottom Steel Frame Buildings, based in Cross Hands. He had been working at Mustang Marine in Pembroke Dock, installing large doors. At approximately 8am on June 4, Stephen and his colleague, Ian Hinton, went up in a cherry picker, about 30m in the air. At one point, Stephen unclipped his harness in order to let his colleague pass him. Stephen attempted to move the cherry picker, but it swung and he fell to the ground. He was unconscious and airlifted to a hospital in Cardiff. He was pronounced dead at 10am.

David Ryan Morgan, who works as a health and safety manager for Shufflebottom said that he had seen Stephen unclipped from the cherry picker while in the air earlier in the morning, and he had said; “There is a line in the sand you do not want to cross, and you crossed it” He told him that it could not happen again. He left them and shortly after heard the sound of metal on metal. Assuming that something had dropped from the cherry picker, he ran back to where Stephen and Ian’s machinery was situated. Ian was in the cherry picker basket and Stephen’s body lay on the ground. He was wearing his safety harness, but David could not tell if Stephen had been clipped on to the cherry picker. At the end of his evidence, he said; “In my view, this unfortunate incident would not have happened if Steve had been clipped on.”

Stephen’s colleague, Ian Paul Hinton, who has worked for Advanced Door Energy for thirteen years, said that he had been staying at a Travelodge with Stephen and work was anticipated to be finished by the end of the week. This was the biggest job either of the men had undertaken. Stephen had been in control of the cherry picker on the day of his death. After thirty minutes of being in the cherry picker, Stephen unclipped himself for five minutes in order to allow Ian past him. The cherry picker would not turn left as it was caught on a chain, the basket spring and shot to the left with a flick. Stephen flung over the side, and Ian could not grab him. Ian expected to see Stephen hanging from his lanyard, but he had fallen to the ground. Stephen had undertaken a safety course two days before Ian.

Health and safety inspector, Hayley Healey confirmed that Stephen had not been clipped to the lanyard. Jamie Davies, who is also a health and safety inspector, said that there were no defects to the machine likely to have affected the accident.

A post mortem report confirmed that Stephen died of multiple injuries. Extensive head injuries meant that there was no considerable amount of survival time after the initial injury.

The coroner ruled that the death was accidental.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

43 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

53 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

Published

2 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.