The worker was collecting refuse outside a pub near Aylesbury when the incident happened. Aylesbury Crown Court heard that a recycling bin fell from the bin hoist on the recycling lorry and landed on his head, killing him.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the London based company over the incident. The jury found the company guilty of breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £130,000 and ordered to pay costs of £220,000.

An HSE inspector commented:

"This was an extremely tragic incident which has now left the workers widow to continue life without a loving husband. It could have been avoided if only a few simple measures had been in place.

Employers are legally required to make sure their equipment is regularly maintained and is fit for use by their workers. If the bin hoist on the recycling lorry had been maintained this incident would never have happened."