A BUSINESSMAN has been called "greedy and ruthless, with no moral scruples" by a judge in the case of a fatal works incident.

Shaun Riley, aged 32, from Leigh, died after a dumper truck overturned during drainage work at a farm.

George H Ruttle, aged 61, of The Lodge, Heskin, near Chorley, was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £103,500 costs by a judge at Preston Crown Court. His company, Ruttle Contracting Ltd, of Ackhurst Road, Chorley, was fined £100,000 with £75,000 costs, and Mr Riley's employer, Shargot Ltd, was fined £5,000 with £37,500 costs.

They had denied breaches of health and safety regulations, but were convicted by a jury following a trial.

The fatal incident took place at Heskin Hall Farm, Heskin, Chorley, where George H Ruttle lived. Mr Riley had been assigned to operate a dumper truck carrying two-and-a-half tonnes of soil during drainage work in January, 2003.

The truck turned over and he became buried. His brother and cousin, also working on the site were among those who tried to dig him free. He was airlifted to hospital, but died next day from multiple injuries.

Mr Michael Hayton, defending, said there had been no deliberate ignoring of health and safety regulations.

Judge Anthony Russell QC said: "My impression is that this was an inhouse job, done over the years as and when people were available, with no thought given to health and safety regulations."

He also said: "I regard Mr George Ruttle as a greedy and ruthless businessman, with no moral scruples."