A County Durham slaughterhouse has been charged with breaching health and safety laws after a worker was left fighting for his life after getting trapped in machinery.

Shaun Unsworth was badly injured after becoming trapped in a meat processing machine at JA Jewitt (Meat) Limited’s slaughterhouse in Spennymoor in March 2023. 

He survived after a fight for his life at James Cook University Hospital after being critically injured.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation and confirmed on Wednesday (September 18) the firm has been charged with breaching health and safety laws.

A HSE spokesperson said: “I can confirm JA Jewitt (Meat) Limited has been charged with breaching Section 2(1) HSWA 1974 in relation to that incident.”

Section 2(1) of the Act states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

A first court hearing is expected next week.

The community local came together in support of the man launching fundraisers while he was left in hospital.

Speaking after the incident a spokesperson for the firm said: “Everyone at JA Jewitt is deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible accident.

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“We are very grateful to the emergency services for their quick response on the day.

“We are doing everything we can to support the HSE in their investigation into the cause of the accident.”

JA Jewitt (Meat) Limited reported a turnover of £44.6m in the year to March 2023.