A man using a fake public liability insurance certificate has been fined and given a 36-week suspended prison sentence after an employee suffered a serious injury at a wedding reception last year.
The injured man had been setting off fireworks as part of a display, but was issued with no gloves or goggles. The prosecutor at the court proceedings stated:
“Mr Hignell wore overalls but was not issued goggles or gloves. He was offered a hard hat but declined. There was no other guidance. No risk assessment or safety procedures. Mr Hignell lit the fuse on Edgecombe’s cry of “Now!” and the firework shot straight into his face.”
The prosecutor also added that the defendant’s failure to cooperate with the court of law had already cost the taxpayer £19,000.
The defendant had obtained the public liability certificate fraudulently which enabled him to purchase show-grade fireworks and put on organised displays. The man apparently printed insurance certificates he applied for online before the insurance firms realised that he should be denied insurance.
The man carried on trading until July this year using false insurance certificates and the sentence given reflected this.