A self-employed worker has been fined after an employee fell through a shed roof and suffered fatal injuries.

David William McVey, of Jellieston Terrace, Patna, East Ayrshire, was fined a total of £10,000, after pleading guilty to offences under Section 2(1) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

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Ayr Sheriff Court heard how William Sproat, 63, had been employed by Mr McVey to repair a storm damaged shed roof at Brunton Farm, New Crummnock on 26 August 2012.

Both Mr McVey and Mr Sproat accessed the shed roof via ladders to replace roof sheeting.

However, Mr Sproat fell approximately 18 feet through the roof to the concrete floor below.

He sustained series injuries and died on 31 August 2012.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stated there was no edge protection during the works, and neither worker wore safety harnesses.

Overall, HSE said Mr McVey had not taken any measures to prevent or mitigate a fall from height.

(LM/CD)