A workshop foreman has been fined £1,200 after he struck a farm worker whilst driving a tractor.

Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard how, on September 20, 2017, at North East Farm, Eltisley, Paul Robinson was driving a large tractor when he stopped to speak to a farm employee.

After their conversation, Robinson went to drive away but, in the process, ran over the employee with the rear offside track.

The employee has suffered life-changing injuries as a result of this incident, including multiple fractures and nerve damage.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Robinson had failed to make reasonable checks to ensure no one was in danger before he moved the tractor.

Paul Robinson, of 56 Rookery Road, Wyboston, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

He was fined £1,200, ordered to pay costs of £2,000 as well as the victim surcharge of £120.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Graeme Warden said “This incident could have been avoided if a simple check around the vehicle had been carried out prior to moving off.”