A construction worker from Carmarthen suffered life-changing injuries when he fell three metres from the roof of a farm building a court has heard.

Gwyndaf Davies, who was 21 at the time of the incident, was helping to re-roof a building at Penwerddu Farm, Boncath on 29 April 2009. He fell through the roof to the concrete floor below suffering multiple facial fractures, a traumatic brain injury and multiple spine fractures.

Mr Davies spent nine months as an in-patient at Morriston hospital and has undergone significant facial reconstructive surgery and eye surgery.

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The accident has left Gwyndaf with the lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury, blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other. He has limited speech and cannot walk without aid. Gwyndaf continues to receive intensive physiotherapy and speech therapy, and it is likely he will require significant care for the rest of his life.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Mr Davies' employer, Delme L James Ltd, for failing to take steps to prevent workers falling from height. Mr Davies had worked for the company since leaving school.

HSE's investigation revealed that the company did not plan, supervise or carry out the work safely. There was only limited edge protection to prevent workers falling from the roof and no measures to prevent them falling into the building.

Delme L James Ltd of Pencaer Bryn Ewan, Cynwyl Elfed, Carmarthenshire, pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 when they appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. They were fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,189.40.

(CD/GK)