Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter Over Workplace Accident
A 55-year-old man has admitted to manslaughter following the death of a colleague in a workplace accident in Newry in 2022.
Thomas Christopher Manley, residing on Loanda Crescent, Newry, was initially set to stand trial for the manslaughter of Ian McCollum, as well as for breaching his duty as an employee to others.
Ian McCollum's family had expressed that they were at a "breaking point" due to the anticipated postponement of the trial caused by an ongoing barrister's strike.
However, on Monday morning at Newry Crown Court, Manley was re-arraigned and entered guilty pleas to both charges.
A plea and sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 29 June, though Judge Paul Ramsey KC noted that the date could be affected by the continuing strike.
"It is an extra burden to bear, but our hands are tied by the ongoing matter,"
the judge stated, adding his hope that this case might be treated as an exception amid the impasse.
The strike, which began in January, has halted all Crown Court cases involving defendants who require legal aid.
Ian McCollum, aged 52, suffered fatal injuries at McKinstry Biomass Ltd, located in the Carnbane Industrial Estate, on 24 January 2022.
Reports indicate that he was injured by heavy machinery at the site.
At the time, the company's directors described McCollum as one of their "most respected drivers" and extended their condolences to his family.
Manley was subsequently charged with manslaughter and with failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and others as an employee.
He has been released on ongoing bail pending sentencing.
Family and Farming His Joy
In a statement, Ian McCollum's widow, Kathryn, and son, Aaron, paid tribute to him as a cherished husband and father.
"We used to joke that he invented mindfulness," Aaron said.
"He'd go and sit in the garden and watch the sun rise and set. He was a farmer and he loved his animals."
Kathryn added that he found his greatest happiness within the family.
"When we went on holiday it was to please us because his joy was family and farming," she said.
"He was in driving for the short term because of how farming is.
"The cruel irony is he was so particular. He'd have driven you to distraction by being so particular. He never took risks.
"The stress won't conclude until the end of proceedings. We need it to conclude."
