A nightmare sequence of events and circumstances led to the devoted father being hit twice by heavy machinery
16:43, 08 Jul 2026Updated 16:47, 08 Jul 2026
Ian McCollum, 52, who was killed in a workplace accident in Newry in 2022(Image: CREDIT : BBC / McCollum Family)
The family of a man killed in a workplace accident have said they “remain devastated” at his loss as a waste plant worker and business were convicted in court.
Ian McCollum, 52, was killed in a work place accident at McKinstry Biomass Ltd at Carnbane Business Park in Newry when he was struck by a tele handler
Walter Manly, 53, from the Newry area was sentenced at Newry Crown Court on Wednesday, July 8, after being convicted of manslaughter following Ian’s death in January 2022.
Following the sentencing, Mr McCollum’s wife and son issued a statement saying: “We remain devastated at losing Ian. He was a devoted and thoughtful husband and father whose life revolved around us and his love of farming. He loved life and loved us. The future without him will be very difficult.”
Details of the nightmare sequence of events that led to Mr McCollum’s death were outlined after a joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the PSNI.
The tragedy happened when Mr McCollum, an employee of McKinstry Skip Hire Ltd, had driven a Volvo tractor unit with a 40ft ejector trailer of wood waste to the Newry site for disposal.
While he stood in the yard watching the waste leave his trailer, a JCB Wastemaster telehandler driven by Manley moved towards the same waste bay and struck him.
The telehandler then tipped its load and reversed, striking Mr McCollum a second time – fatally injuring him.
A reconstruction found the telehandler’s raised, waste-filled bucket left Manley with little to no forward visibility and that the cab’s rear window was dirty obstructing visibility. The offside rear mirror was also significantly misadjusted, leaving Manley unable to see behind the vehicle.
Manley then failed to identify Mr McCollum in the machine’s rear camera before reversing.
HSENI Major Investigation Team Inspector Kiara Blackburn said: “No job should cost a person their life. Mr McCollum’s death was wholly preventable and highlights the high cost of health and safety standards falling short.
“It also serves as a stark reminder that vehicles at work continue to be a significant cause of fatal and major injuries in Northern Ireland. Health and safety measures cannot be treated as optional. Simple, effective control measures must be put in place and maintained. Detailed advice on managing workplace transport risks is readily available to all employers.
“Employees also have a responsibility to take reasonable care for the safety of others and to operate vehicles properly in line with their training and instruction. This tragedy has had devastating consequences for his family, friends and colleagues.
“We hope this prosecution sends a clear message that failures of this nature can have irreversible consequences and that HSENI will not hesitate to take enforcement action to ensure workplace transport risks are appropriately managed.”
Manley, 53, was sentenced to three years and four months for manslaughter and to 12 months for breach of health and safety legislation, to be served concurrently. Half will be served in custody and half will be served on licence.
PPS Senior Public Prosecutor Michael McDaid said: “Ian McCollum was a much-loved husband and father. His death was tragic and avoidable. My thoughts are with Mr McCollum’s family today. I want to thank them for their understanding throughout this process.
“We worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the PSNI to put this case before the court. Their detailed and thorough investigation made this prosecution possible, ensuring justice was served for Mr McCollum’s family.
“Mr McCollum’s family should be planning their future together. Instead, they are mourning. I hope the conclusion of these proceedings brings some comfort to them.
“This case shows the crucial importance of adhering to health and safety law – and shows that we will prosecute those who breach it. Workers have a right to work in a safe environment. Safety should be the top priority for all employers.
“When employers fall short, we will work with our enforcement partners to build a robust case and prosecute alleged health and safety offences, where the Test for Prosecution is met.”
Commenting, Detective Constable Beck said: “On 24th January 2022 52-year-old Ian McCollum was fatally injured in a work place accident at McKinstry Biomass Ltd at Carnbane Business Park in Newry.
“Mr McCollum was struck by a tele handler that was being driven by Manley. He sadly passed away at the scene due to the extent of his injuries – leaving his family devastated by their loss.
“Separately, McKinstry Biomass also pled guilty to Article 4(1), Article 5(1) and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
“The Newry-based company was fined a total of £120,000 at the same court hearing.”
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