A man and business have been sentenced in court following a fatal workplace accident in Newry in 2022.

Walter Manley (53) from the Newry area was sentenced today, Wednesday 8th July, at Newry Crown Court for manslaughter and Article 8(a) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

He had entered an earlier guilty plea to both offences on Monday, 11th May 2026 relating to the death of a colleague while working at McKinstry Biomass Ltd in Newry.

Manley was handed a three-year and four-month custodial sentence for manslaughter, and a 12-month custodial sentence for breach of health and safety. The sentence will run concurrently, with half also to be spent on licence.

Commenting, Detective Constable Beck said: “On 24th January 2022 52-year-old Ian McCollum was fatally injured in a work place accident at McKinstry Biomass Ltd at Carnbane Business Park in Newry.

“Mr McCollum was struck by a tele handler that was being driven by Manley. He sadly passed away at the scene due to the extent of his injuries – leaving his family devastated by their loss.

“Separately, McKinstry Biomass also pled guilty to Article 4(1), Article 5(1) and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.

“The Newry-based company was fined a total of £120,000 at the same court hearing.”

**Statement provided on behalf of Ian McCollum’s wife and son**

'We remain devastated at losing Ian. He was a devoted and thoughtful husband and father whose life revolved around us and his love of farming. He loved life and loved us. The future without him will be very difficult.’