Firm fined over chip shop shock

A catering equipment firm has been fined £20,000 after repairs it carried out at a chip shop in Milton Keynes led to the owner getting an electric shock.

Stephen Wilding suffered burns and a cardiac arrest when he touched the live lead of a drainage pump in October 2007, magistrates heard.

The directors of KLS, based in King's Lynn, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching health and safety.

Mr Wilding, of Broughton Fish and Chips, recovered from his injuries.

The court heard on Monday that Mr Wilding had authorised repairs to the pump to be carried out under warranty by KLS, which had fitted the shop when it opened earlier in 2007.

Maximum sentence

Investigations by environmental health officers at Milton Keynes Council revealed the modifications were of such a "poor electrical standard" a plug lead and socket was still live when removed from the wall.

Mr Wilding was probably attached to the electrical supply for up to 30 seconds until a member of his family finally managed to prise the lead from his hands, the court was told.

Robert Kitchingham, 28, of Melton Court, West Winch, King's Lynn, who carried out the work for KLS, pleaded guilty under the Heath and Safety at Work Act and was fined £5,000.

The £20,000 fine against the company was the maximum sentence available, the council said.