A property management company has been prosecuted after a man fell five stories down a lift shaft and died.

Warwick Estates Property Management Limited, of Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £120,000 with £45,000 in costs.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Craig Jones, 29, and a friend, became trapped in a lift at Marsden House in Bolton on 30 August 2014. Mr Jones, who was a resident at the development, attempted to force the doors open with his friend and slide out onto the floor below.

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However, after slipping under the lift car, Mr Jones fell five-storeys down the lift shaft and died of multiple injuries. His friend escaped unhurt.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Warwick Estates Property Management had failed to take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent Craig and his friend self-rescuing.

HSE inspector Sarah Taylor said: "Those who manage lifts have a responsibility to ensure they are properly maintained but if people are trapped they have a way to raise the alarm and are not in a position to try and rescue themselves."

(LM)