A 60-YEAR-OLD Kelso man has been fined £1,000 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court following the death of a work colleague.

Alan Paxton was reversing a van at a Borders builder’s yard when it struck 72-year-old Ian Hogg, who died from his injuries.

The incident at Walker Groundworks base near Kelso happened on May 10, 2022.

Paxton admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, by failing to maintain proper observations.

The court was told both had gone out together to hitch up a trailer.

But Paxton’s lawyer pointed out the vehicle was only moving at slow speed and, unbeknown to his client, Mr Hogg – who had his back facing him – had changed his direction of travel.

The lawyer concluded: “It was a large degree of misfortune that their paths collided,” he added. 

The court heard Paxton, of Broomlea, Kelso, took full responsibility for the incident and struggled with his remorse, which he said has had an impact on both his physical and mental health.

The court heard a civil action has been raised by Mr Hogg’s family, which would be handled by insurers. 

Sheriff Peter Paterson, who was shown CCTV footage of the incident at the Old Smiddy site, said: “There’s nothing this court can do or say that can in any way make up for what has happened either to Mr Hogg or to you.

“And no form of punishment that can rebalance the tragedy that has occurred here.

“It was a momentary lapse of concentration with tragic consequences.”

In addition to the £1,000 fine Paxton was ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge.