The family of Lee Balkwell, who was found dead crushed in the mechanisms of a cement mixer, had their 12-year wait for a trial ended today after his boss appeared before a jury accused of unlawful killing.
Simon Bromley, 45, of Baldwin’s Farm, Dennises Lane, Upminster, had been working with his employee Mr Balkwell, 33, in July 2002 because concrete had hardened inside the cement mixer, Chelmsford Crown Court was told.
Prior to the accident, both men had been inside the drum of the mixer trying to loosen hardening concrete at Baldwin’s Farm.
After exiting the drum, Mr Balkwell, a father-of-one, became entangled on the outside of the machine and died after becoming trapped between the drum and chassis of the vehicle in the early hours of July 18, it was alleged.
Mr Bromley has pleaded not guilty to unlawful killing by negligence and failing to discharge his duty as an employer under the health and safety regulations in respect of the cement mixer.
The hearing continues.
See tomorrow’s Recorder for the full story.
Read more:
Lee Balkwell’s death: serious allegations upheld against Essex Police by IPCC
Body of Lee Balkwell will be exhumed - died in Upminster farm 10 years ago
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