Man jailed after colleague killed in workplace accident as company fined £120,000

Ian McCollum who sadly died following a workplace accident

A man has been jailed for causing the death of a work colleague in a fatal workplace accident in Newry, while the company where the incident happened has also been fined £120,000 following the tragedy.

Walter Manley, 53, from the Newry area, was sentenced at Newry Crown Court on Wednesday, 8 July, after previously admitting manslaughter and a breach of health and safety legislation in connection with the death of fellow employee Ian McCollum.

The case relates to an incident at McKinstry Biomass Ltd in Carnbane Business Park, Newry, on 24 January 2022, when 52-year-old Mr McCollum suffered fatal injuries while at work.

Custodial sentence imposed

Manley had entered guilty pleas on Monday, 11 May 2026, to manslaughter and an offence under Article 8(a) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

At Wednesday’s hearing, he was sentenced to three years and four months in custody for manslaughter.

He also received a 12-month custodial sentence for the health and safety offence. Both sentences will run concurrently, with half of the custodial term to be served in prison and the remainder on licence.

The court also dealt with the prosecution of McKinstry Biomass Ltd arising from the same incident.

The Newry-based company pleaded guilty to offences under Article 4(1), Article 5(1) and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.

It was fined a total of £120,000.

Police outline circumstances of fatal incident

Commenting after the sentencing, Detective Constable Beck said:

“On 24th January 2022 52-year-old Ian McCollum was fatally injured in a work place accident at McKinstry Biomass Ltd at Carnbane Business Park in Newry.

“Mr McCollum was struck by a tele handler that was being driven by Manley. He sadly passed away at the scene due to the extent of his injuries – leaving his family devastated by their loss.”

The detective also confirmed that McKinstry Biomass had admitted the separate health and safety offences before the same court.

Family speaks of devastating loss

A statement issued on behalf of Ian McCollum’s wife and son described the lasting impact of his death.

They said:

“We remain devastated at losing Ian. He was a devoted and thoughtful husband and father whose life revolved around us and his love of farming. He loved life and loved us. The future without him will be very difficult.”

The sentencing brings criminal proceedings arising from the fatal workplace incident to a close more than four years after Mr McCollum lost his life.

The case also serves as a reminder of the serious consequences when workplace safety standards are not upheld, both for those directly responsible and for employers with legal duties to protect their workforce.