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Fuel company pleads guilty to health and safety breaches

One of the north's leading fuel companies, Hayes Fuels, has pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation following the death of an employee.

Mark McCarroll (49) died two days after an accident at the firm's Ballyutoag Road depot in north Belfast in March 2013.

No details were given to Belfast Crown Court yesterday, but at the time it was reported that he died from chest and other injuries after being struck by pallets.

A director of the firm, Allister Hayes, and a risk manager, Stanley Gibson, both admitted breaches in health and safety legislation designed to protect employees and those using the yard.

Mr Gibson pleaded guilty to two charges arising out of Hayes Fuels' failures, while Mr Hayes, on behalf of the company, pleaded guilty to charges of failing to ensure the safety of employees and failing to ensure the safe storage of materials and objects.

Judge Gordon Kerr adjourned the case until next month to allow for the completion of reports.