A WASTE disposal firm was yesterday committed to Crown Court to stand trial for breaching health and safety rules following a fatal accident.
Gavin Reed, 11, died after he fell 18 metres from the Table Rock cliff, at a landfill site run by Biffa Waste Services, at Houghton Quarry, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, in October 2001.
The company appeared at Houghton-le-Spring Magistrates' Court charged with failing in its duties, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to protect non-employees.
Biffa is alleged to have failed to ensure that Gavin could not gain access to the site.
If convicted, it could face a fine of up to £20,000.
The case was adjourned for a plea and direction hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on November 25.
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