Council in court over man's death

Belfast City Council is facing prosecution over the death of a man at a landfill site two years ago.

In an unprecedented action, the council is being prosecuted for allegedly failing to ensure the safety of waste disposal worker Ashley Cunningham.

Mr Cunningham, 39, from Broom Park, Twinbrook, was killed in September 2006.

It is thought he suffocated as he dumped rubbish for a private contractor at the council's Dargan Road premises.

Northern Ireland's Health and Safety Executive has brought the prosecution.

At the time of the accident, the council operated a facility where commercial waste disposal firms had a contract or paid gate fees to gain access to its landfill site.

At a preliminary inquiry at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the council's principal solicitor accepted there was a prima facie case to answer.