Firm changes plea to guilty after Whitchurch man's death
A trial centred on the death of a Whitchurch man when he was hit by a car outside his place of work has come to a dramatic halt.
The trial investigating the death of 62-year-old Philip Ledward was due to go on at Mold Crown Court for a week.
But on the second day of the hearing yesterday, the defendant company Arkenfield Stable Hire Ltd, based at Bronington near Whitchurch, changed its plea to guilty.
It admitted failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees by failing to ensure a safe system of work in connection with the arrival, parking and departure of vehicles at the premises.
General manager Phillip Sutton had denied a similar charge which alleged that he consented or connived with the company, or that the offence was attributable to his neglect.
But the prosecution, the Health and Safety Executive, offered no evidence against him and he was formally found not guilty.
Judge Niclas Parry indicated that he would sentence the company today.
The proceedings arose following the death of Mr Ledward, who died when he was hit by a car near the entrance to the yard at Boundary Garage on the A495 Whitchurch to Ellesmere road on November 17, 2011.
Mr Ledward, a heavy goods vehicle mechanic from Bathfield Crescent, Whitchurch, was one of three employees who were said to have gone to assist a red articulated truck that was about to reverse into the yard.
Two colleagues were in the process of warning other drivers and Mr Ledward was standing next to the driver's door talking to the truck driver Anthony Jackson when he was struck by an oncoming car.
