THE sentencing of the former manufacturer Cleveland Bridge following the death of an employee has been delayed. 

Industry giant Cleveland Bridge was found guilty of safety breaches after the death of Keith Poppleton, 54, in its factory on Yarm Road, Darlington, in 2016. 

The business was due to learn its fate at Teesside Crown Court on Friday afternoon, but judge Timothy Stead adjourned proceedings due to a delay in administrative proceedings. 

Read more: Widow's tears for husband who died in fall at Cleveland Bridge

Cleveland Bridge, which collapsed last year after entering administration, was found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of an employee while working at height on overhead crane platforms.

Mr Poppleton, then of Tunstall Road, Stockton died after falling through an inspection hatch and landing on a pile of metal girders, an inquest in 2018 heard.

The Poppleton family, including wife Catherine, were in court on Friday. 

Addressing the family, Judge Stead said: "I am very sorry that this situation has arisen, but I don't actually know as I sit here now exactly which charges in what form the magistrates' court has actually sent. 

Read more: Every step of the demise of Darlington's Cleveland Bridge

"I am not asking you to say 'thank you we understand' because this is one of many grim occasions as far as you're concerned. And I'm sorry, I think it is necessary to delay so that I can be absolutely sure that this set of proceedings are properly conducted. 

"I do hope you understand that. I am sorry I have to say 'another day'."

The sentencing was adjourned to the provisional date of Monday, February 28. 

 

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