Manager denies safety charges

The teenager was electrocuted in 1998

The former health and safety manager of a restaurant has appeared in court more than four years after the death of an employee by electrocution.

Mark Thorne, 17, was electrocuted while working at the Fatty Arbuckle's restaurant in Lincoln in August 1998.

Ian Helmrick, from York, denied failing to take reasonable care of the safety of the workers when he appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr Thorne was electrocuted when he moved a plate warmer while mopping the floor in the restaurant.

Electric shocks

The plate warmer was found to have a faulty plug.

The prosecution claims that Ian Helmrich, the company's health and safety manager, failed in his duty to ensure the welfare of the restaurants employees.

Two former members of staff told the court that a number of workers had received electric shocks from the plate warmer in the time leading up to Mark's death.

A former waiter said that most staff members did minor electrical jobs themselves.

In one case a plug socket was left hanging from the wall in the kitchen for a week or so until it was repaired, the court was told.

The defence argued that Mr Helmrich should not be held solely responsible for safety failings at the restaurant in Lincoln.

The trial continues.