AN engineering firm has been convicted for breaches of safety regulations after a woman's thumb was amputated by an unguarded machine.

Vehicle gasket maker Elring Klingor (Great Britain) Ltd, of Troisdorf Way, Kirk-leatham Business Park, Redcar, east Cleveland, was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,999 costs by Teesside magistrates following the accident, which happened in August last year.

Employee Clare Learman, 20, whose left thumb was severed to the knuckle, was not in court to hear yesterday's sentence, but has started civil proceedings against the German-owned firm.

The firm admitted failing to ensure that effective measures were taken to ensure guards were maintained in efficient working order.

Barrister William Carter, representing Elring Klingor, said the firm had also admitted liability in the civil proceedings