A VEHICLE lift at at Rock Ferry garage was lethal due to lack of maintenance, it was alleged at a Wirral magistrates' court.

Prosecutor Simon Parrington for the Health and Safety Executive said a main drive nut thread was completely worn away, a safety feature involving a split nut was not in place and a rope safety back-up system was also defective.

Motor trader Kevin Marsden, aged 39, of Balls Road, Oxton, admitted failing to conduct his business, Tunnel Motors at New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, in such a way that persons not in his employment were not exposed to risk.

The prosecution followed a fatal accident involving his partner and referred to the day of the tragedy in April 1997. Marsden was fined £2,000 and had to pay £700 towards costs.

Mr Parrington told how a Steven Oakley, who was occasionally allowed to use the four post vehicle lift at the premises, operated it the day before it collapsed and killed Marsden's partner Alan Strong. The prosecutor claimed it was just good luck Oakley had not been the person underneath when the equipment failed.

Marsden, when questioned, said he was not aware he was under a requirement to have the lift checked. He thought a friend would have done it. Mr Parrington said there had been progressive wear over months or years due to lack of maintenance.

Alan Boscoe, for Marsden, said he would obviously have acted differently had he known the lift was dangerous. His partner was one of his best friends. He was devastated about the accident, which would remain with him for ever.

Mr Boscoe said Marsden was originally arrested for negligent manslaughter but was released without charge. He was a hard-working man with an excellent reputation. A heavy penalty plus costs would effectively close his business.

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