Contractor Jailed Over Roofer’s Fatal Fall
Steven Wenham, 48, from Brighton, was slammed with a five-year prison sentence at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (June 7). He had previously pleaded not guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence but was found guilty.
Health and Safety Blunders Cost Company Big
Wenham’s firm, Total Contractors Ltd, also copped two violations for failing to protect workers from deadly falls. The company was hit with a hefty £190,000 fine, £30,000 in costs, plus a £170 victim surcharge. Wenham himself is banned from being a company director for a decade.
Roofing Boss Also Behind Bars
John Spiller, 52, from Portslade, escaped manslaughter charges but picked up 15 months in jail for the same health and safety breaches. His company, Southern Asphalt Ltd, pleaded guilty and was fined £120,000 with £20,000 in costs and the same £170 victim surcharge.
Tragic Death Sparks Tough Sentences
The punishments come after the preventable death of 60-year-old roofer Graham Tester on July 27, 2018. While working at a Brunswick Street West site in Hove, Graham fell two storeys from a ladder hung precariously with only two nails on each side. No scaffolding or safety barriers were in place.
“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.”
