Wolverhampton business owner jailed for over seven years after man fell into a shredder and died

151223 Willis picture
Pictured is David Willis, who fell into a shredder and died whilst at work. Credit: West Midlands Police

A business owner from Wolverhampton has been sent to prison for seven-and-a-half years after a worker fell into a shredder and died.

The company responsible has also been fined £400,000.

Brian Timmins had already been found guilty of manslaughter after David Willis, 29, fell into a shredder that was designed for food and waste at Timmins Waste Services.

Timmins had been operating the machine which should have been switched off while work was being carried out. 

Pictured is Brian Timmins, who has today been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Credit: West Midlands Police

Mr Willis was completing works when he fell into the shredder and died.

Timmins, who was operating the shredder carried on working, meaning that waste covered Mr Willis' remains.

The next day, Timmins returned to work and helped oblivious workers load up waste which would have included the remains of Mr Willis.

It was then driven to a landfill site in Cannock.

Mr Willis' body has still never been found, nearly 5 years later.

The only thing found belonging to Mr Willis was his coat near the shredder, which linked with CCTV from the site, showed that he had been killed.

Police only became aware of an issue when Mr Willis' mother Caroline, reported him missing after he failed to come home from work.

Caroline stated that the damage done to her family is devastating and has "ruined her life".

Caroline says that she is now on anti-depressants because of the trauma of what has happened to her son.

Caroline said: "They have taken part of my life, my son, my best friend. I shall never ever, ever forgive them. No matter what."

Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, who lead the investigation, said that they found major flaws in the way that Timmins’ business operated. 

“Risk assessments were not done, and safe methods of working were simply not put in place," he said.

“Timmins’ failure to lock off the shredder, and his decision to put Mr Willis in a position of danger, directly caused this tragedy.” 

For help or support:

MIND

Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues.

It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Back to top

CALM

CALM, or the Campaign Against Living Miserably, runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat – open from 5pm to midnight every day, for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. It also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).

  • Phone their helpline: 0800 585858 (Daily, 5pm to midnight)

Back to top

PAPYRUS

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice you can contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

HOPELINEUK is the charity’s confidential helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.

HOPELINEUK is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service.

Back to top

SAMARITANS

Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

  • Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline)

  • Email: jo@samaritans.org

Back to top

YOUNG MINDS

YoungMinds is a resource with information on child and adolescent mental health, but also offers services for parents and professionals.

It is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health, and wants to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it

  • YoungMinds Textline - Text YM to 85258

  • Phone Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4pm)

Back to top

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...