Evidence ends in PJ Carey health-and-safety trial

The hearing of evidence has ended in the trial of a construction company charged with breaching health and safety regulations arising out of the death of an employee after a trench collapsed at a building site

PJ Carey (Contractors) Ltd has pleaded not guilty to having a dangerous workplace and failing to have a safe work system on a Ballymun building site where the drainage pipe layer died on December 09, 2002.

Mr Brendan Coulton of Emyvale, Co Monaghan died after he entered the unsupported trench he and members of his excavation team were digging. The trench collapsed.

Judge Patrick McCartan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on three other safety regulation breach charges against the company.

Closing speeches have been made by prosecuting counsel, Mr Colm Ó Briain BL and defence counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC (with Mr Ronan Kennedy BL), on day six of the trial.

Mr Donal Terry said in his evidence that the company adopted "superior safety policies" like those in the UK.

The jury of eight men and four women will begin its deliberations tomorrow after Judge McCartan concludes his charge.