A CONSTRUCTION company has admitted breaching health and safety standards following the death of a builder who was crushed by a wall at a popular farm attraction.

Steven Brian Ratcliffe suffered head and chest injuries when a two-tonne wall fell on top of him as he worked at Hall Hill Farm, in Lanchester, County Durham, on September 14, 2015.

The 43-year-old, from Spennymoor, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle but died of his injuries the same day.

Yesterday, his employer Mike Neesam and Son Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, including Mr Ratcliffe, during the refurbishment of a toilet block at the farm.

District Judge Marie Mallon, sitting at Newton Aycliffe, said although she was authorised to deal with cases leading to unlimited fines she felt the senior presiding judge should be notified.

She said: “Such cases which result in fatalities ought to be referred to crown court.”

Tom Gent, who represented the building firm, which is based on Coundon Industrial Estate near Bishop Auckland, said he and Andrew Woodhall, from the Health and Safety Executive, had hoped the case would be concluded there and then.

After rising briefly to consider the matter, the judge said she still felt it important that the presiding judge be notified and the case was adjourned for sentencing on July 26, back at the same court.

She said: “Members of Mr Ratcliffe’s family are in court I know, I apologise to you in particular.

“But it will not be put off again, hopefully, I’m sure it will be concluded next time.”

Turning to father and son Michael and Jonathan Neesam, company directors who were in court, she added: “I apologise to you gentlemen, I appreciate it is a concerning matter to you too.”