Council fined for bin lorry death

North Tyneside Council has been fined thousands of pounds after a 66-year-old man was hit and killed by a bin lorry.

Brian Kindred was struck by the vehicle as it reversed in Allanville in Camperdown, near Killingworth, in 2006.

Following the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution, the council was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay more than £7,000 in costs.

The council said extra safeguards had since been put in place to prevent any similar tragedies.

'Continued sympathies'

These included extra cameras and improved electronic reversing aid sensors to the rear of all 35 kerbside collection vehicles.

Following the hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Andrew Kerr, the council's chief executive, said: "At this time the most important thing is to offer our continued sympathies to Mr Kindred's family.

"This was a tragic accident and we have co-operated fully with Northumbria Police and the Health and Safety Executive throughout this investigation.

"We accept the findings of the court today."