TWO workmen have pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches after a farmer died when a roller door fell on him.

Robert Ireland, 71, died at Manor Wold Farm at East Heslerton, near Malton, when he was hit by the door, which had recently been fitted to a new grain store.

Paul Halliwell, 44, of Haslewood Road, Stockport, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty as an employer or self- employed person to failing to ensure the safety of another person.

David Whittaker, 40, of Bradley Green Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to failing to discharge a duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of persons affected by acts or omissions at work.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between July 2, 2010, and October 28, 2010, the day Mr Ireland died.

The pair pleaded guilty at York Crown Court and sentencing has been adjourned until March 18 for pre-sentence reports The case was brought by the Health and Safety Executive which investigated events leading up to Mr Ireland’s death.

The farmer died shortly after he returned home from carrying out business in Malton on October 28, 2010. He went to put some equipment in the grain store and a few minutes later, his brother, John, who had been with him in Malton, heard a crash and found him lying underneath the door which had fallen to the floor.

Mr Ireland’s family tried in vain to lift the door but were only able to do so when three paramedics arrived. He died of multiple injuries.

Speaking shortly after the tragedy, Mr Ireland’s widow Jenny said: “He was a very hard-working man, and much respected by everyone.

“Everyone loved him. He was a quiet man who just loved farming. He never had a wrong word about anyone.”