A WASTE disposal firm was accused yesterday of breaching health and safety rules following the death of an 11-year-old boy who fell to his death at a quarry.
Gavin Reed died after falling 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 Waste is alleged to have failed to ensure that Gavin could not gain access to the site where he fell to his death.
Alun Williams, representing the Health and Safety Executive, said the firm, if convicted, could face a fine of up to £20,000.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and agreed to commit the case to Newcastle Crown Court for trial.
The hearing was adjourned to October 17 for committal proceedings
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