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June 27, 2013

Stonemason fined following child death

A four-year-old boy was killed when a poorly-installed fireplace toppled on to him at his home in Northamptonshire.

Kristian Childs, trading as KD Childs Stonework of Luton, had been sub-contracted to install stone fireplaces in a number of new homes, including one in Coulthard Close, Towcester.

David and Gail Green bought the house and moved in with their two children in 2003. On 15 October 2005, their son Matthew was standing next to the fireplace when the 47kg mantel came away and landed on him. He died in hospital from crush injuries.

The HSE investigated the incident and found Childs had secured the mantel with small patches of mortar, rather than mechanical fixes. He was aware the fireplaces he had installed were insecure after complaints from two other homeowners, but failed to check the other units he fitted at the development.

HSE head of operations for the Midlands construction division Alan Craddock said: “Every stone used in a fireplace must have a mechanical fixing, such as a steel bracket and screws, to hold them together and against the wall. A few small patches of mortar are not acceptable because they cannot guarantee a secure bond.

“Mr Childs was well aware of the risks of falling fireplaces, yet failed to take the correct steps to ensure the fireplace he fitted at Coulthard Close was safe, with appalling consequences.”

Childs appeared at Northampton Crown Court on 26 June and pleaded guilty to breaching s3(1) of the HSWA 1974. He was fined £7500 and ordered to pay £2500 towards costs.

After the hearing, Gail Green said: “Losing Matthew was devastating. We miss him every day and will never truly recover from the events of that day. We urge anyone involved with the installation of fireplaces to learn from what happened to our precious son and take steps to ensure that they take the time and trouble to fit them properly. If they don’t then lives will continue to be put at risk and Matthew’s death will have been in vain.”

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Collin Best
Collin Best
11 years ago

This case is appalling. The length of time and the consequent fine absoluetly ridiculous. In the time it took for the case to go to Court Mr Childs could still have been undertaking shoddy work. Surely there is a case for this to be called manslaughter?

G. Wiggin
G. Wiggin
11 years ago

It is appalling that someone can be paid to fit fireplaces and use a few spots of mortar. However, I do not agree with the HSE comment that all parts of a fireplace should have a mechanical fixing. For generations fireplaces have been built using mortar, both lime and sand and cement lime and sand. Properly bedded, properly balanced components will stay in place. If there is a risk of tension in a joint due to poor design then a resin fixing is appropriate. BUT, why do we kill so many innocents?

Jan Cruise
Jan Cruise
11 years ago

I absolutely agree with Paul’s comments. This was an avoidable death, but why were the main Contractors not in the frame? Surely they must have had notice of the problems and they ought to have taken action too.

Paul Summerfield
Paul Summerfield
11 years ago

Someone please explain why this took almost 8 years before going to trial. Surely a custodial sentence (even if suspended) would have been justified, considering he made no attempt to correct his faulty workmanship. What price a life? Seems very cheap at £10k