Workplace Incident Leads to Fatality
Ian McCollum, 52, died in a workplace accident at the McKinstry Biomass plant located in Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, in 2022. The fatal incident occurred while he was delivering a load to the facility.
The individual responsible for the incident was 53-year-old Walter Manley from Loanda Crescent, Newry. Manley was operating a telehandler equipped with a loading bucket that obstructed his view as he moved materials around the site.
Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.
During the operation, Manley drove over McCollum, who was unloading a load from his lorry. Believing he had run over a piece of wood, Manley did not verify the situation by checking the vehicle's mirrors or cameras before reversing and driving over McCollum a second time.
Sentencing and Court Proceedings
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Paul Ramsey described the case as "difficult and heart breaking," highlighting the "monumental tragedy of the loss of a husband and father." The judge stated that Manley was "driving blind and showed disregard for risk," which led to the fatal accident.
"Driving blind and showed disregard for risk"
In May 2023, Manley pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to breaching his duty as an employee to others. On Wednesday, he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, with half of the sentence to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
Company Liability and Fines
Separately, McKinstry Biomass Ltd admitted guilt to several health and safety offences in November 2025 and was fined £120,000. Judge Ramsey acknowledged that the imposed penalties could do little to "ease the grief of the family."
"This could do little to ease the grief of the family"
The case was granted an exemption during the recent barristers' strike after Kathryn McCollum, the widow of Ian McCollum, expressed that the family was at "breaking point" due to delays in the legal process.
