Boss Jailed for Fatal Roof Fall Tragedy in Brighton
Steven Wenham, 48, from Brighton, was locked up for five years at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, June 7. He was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter over the tragic death of roofer Graham Tester, 60.
Heavy Fines and Bans for Safety Failures
Wenham and his firm, Total Contractors Ltd, also faced stiff penalties for flouting health and safety laws. The company was slapped with a £190,000 fine, £30,000 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £170. Wenham himself is banned from running a company for ten years.
John Spiller, 52, boss of Southern Asphalt Ltd, got 15 months in the slammer. Although cleared of manslaughter, he was convicted of the same health and safety violations. Southern Asphalt also pleaded guilty and was fined £120,000, with £20,000 in costs and a £170 victim surcharge.
Fatal Fall Could Have Been Prevented
The disaster unfolded on July 27, 2018, at a Brunswick Street West construction site in Hove. Graham Tester, subcontracted by Southern Asphalt, fell two storeys from a dangerously unsecured ladder. The ladder was held by just two nails on each side with no scaffolding or safety barriers in place.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspections exposed a catalogue of safety failures at the site.
Police Warn Employers: Safety Isn’t Optional
“The severity of these custodial sentences demonstrates the seriousness of employers failing in their duty of care to their employees,” said Detective Inspector James Meanwell.
“Graham Tester’s death was an avoidable tragedy that devastated his family and friends.”
“These sentences should serve as a warning to all employers that you are responsible for your employees’ safety and will face the consequences if you fail to uphold those responsibilities.”
