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A man and a Newry business have been sentenced in court today 8 July following a fatal workplace accident in the city in 2022.
Ian McCollum was fatally injured in the incident and in a statement today his wife and son 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."
Walter Manley (53) from the Newry area was sentenced at Newry Crown Court for manslaughter and Article 8(a) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
He had entered an earlier guilty plea to both offences on Monday, 11th May 2026 relating to the death of a colleague while working at McKinstry Biomass Ltd in Newry.
Manley was handed a three-year and four-month custodial sentence for manslaughter, and a 12-month custodial sentence for breach of health and safety. The sentence will run concurrently, with half also to be spent on licence.
Commenting on the case 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.
“Separately, McKinstry Biomass also pled guilty to Article 4(1), Article 5(1) and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
“The Newry-based company was fined a total of £120,000 at the same court hearing.”
