A FAMILY firm has been fined £20,000 after a worker was killed when a drilling machine was activated as he stood inside.

James Sapsford had been changing a drilling tool inside a vertical boring machine at Triple T Engineering when the start lever was accidentally knocked into the "on" position.

At Bishop Auckland yesterday, magistrates ordered the engineering firm, of Shildon, County Durham, to pay the maximum fine for breaching health and safety regulations and to pay £1,712 costs.

The company had pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the 21-year-old's safety.

Dr David Shallow, prosecuting on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive, said: "Both employees and directors were extremely distressed by the accident."

Dr Shallow said Mr Sapsford had been standing on the drilling platform to change the drilling tool because it could not be lifted clear of the equipment.

He said a risk assessment on the machinery would have spotted the need for a safety device.

Stephen Campbell, defending, said the machine was at fault.

In the late 1970s, makers Webster and Bennett adapted the design of vertical borers to prevent accidental activation.

But the equipment used by Mr Sapsford, of Bluebell Close in Newton Aycliffe, dated back to 1964.

Mr Campbell said: "The start handle can simply be knocked on to the 'on' position by snagging on clothing. In this case Mr Sapsford's foot appears to have knocked the start handle."

The court heard that the company had an otherwise clean record for health and safety and the welfare of its employees.

Mr Sapsford had been a family friend of the company's directors, Paul and Madeline Tarn.

After the court case, Mr Tarn urged people with machines pre-dating the 1970s to get in touch either with him or Webster and Bennett to arrange for modifications to prevent another tragedy.

He said: "It was a very tragic accident to an excellent employee and good friend, which we all deeply regret."

The chairman of Webster and Bennett, Iain Exeter, said that his firm would take any action to make older machines safe.

It can be contacted on (0247) 6604401.

Mr Sapsford's father was in court with other family members yesterday, but was too upset to comment.