The owner of a farm shop has been ordered by magistrates to pay £10,000 in fines and costs after admitting three separate health and safety offences.

Andrew Eastwood of Yerbeston Gate Farm Shop, Cresselly, was prosecuted by Pembrokeshire County Council, following an investigation by the authority’s health and safety officers.

Magistrates in Haverfordwest on Monday (9th January) heard that during June, 2009, an employee received an electric shock when the top of an electrical plug came away as it was removed from a socket.

Health and safety officers discovered a lack of fixed electrical sockets along with evidence of further defects in portable electrical equipment, including damage to cables exposing the wire core.

It was therefore considered there was a lack of adequate inspection and maintenance at that time.

It was also found that an unguarded flat roof was being accessed by employees via an unsuitable ladder despite previous warnings given by officers.

The court heard that these practices had since ceased.

Eastwood was fined a total of £6,500 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of employees and failing to maintain electrical appliances.

Total costs of £3,500 were awarded to the council while Eastwood was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.

After the hearing, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, Councillor Ken Rowlands, said the case highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of employees.

“Electrical hazards are well known and employers must ensure that suitable checks are established and maintained,” he said.

” This case clearly shows that basic health and safety is very important to ensure the safety of employees.”