09/07/2026
Newry Worker Jailed And Company Fined Over 2022 Fatal Workplace Incident
A man and a Newry-based business have been sentenced over a fatal workplace incident in 2022.
At Newry Crown Court on 8 July 2026, Walter Manley (53), from the Newry area, was sentenced for manslaughter and for an offence under Article 8(a) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
He had pleaded guilty on 11 May 2026 in relation to the death of a colleague while working at McKinstry Biomass Ltd in Newry.
Manley received a custodial term of three years and four months for manslaughter, and 12 months for the health and safety offence. The sentences are to run concurrently, with half to be spent on licence.
Commenting, 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."
Statement provided on behalf of Ian McCollum's wife and son: '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.'
At Newry Crown Court on 8 July 2026, Walter Manley (53), from the Newry area, was sentenced for manslaughter and for an offence under Article 8(a) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
He had pleaded guilty on 11 May 2026 in relation to the death of a colleague while working at McKinstry Biomass Ltd in Newry.
Manley received a custodial term of three years and four months for manslaughter, and 12 months for the health and safety offence. The sentences are to run concurrently, with half to be spent on licence.
"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."
Statement provided on behalf of Ian McCollum's wife and son: '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.'
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