26th October 2026

Stepfather Receives Prison Sentence Following Electrocution At Customer Site

Sole trader Daniel Watton has received a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, following the death of his stepson whilst working at a house in Cheshire in July 2024.

What happened?

Trading as Inside Out Painters and Decorators Property Maintenance, Mr Watton was undertaking decorating works on the exterior of the property.

In order to access elevated areas, trainee painter Connor Lambert, along with a colleague, was moving a fully extended ladder around the premises.

During this task, the ladder either came into contact with, or came close enough to, overhead power cables that electricity could arc from them.

The ladders became live, leading to fatal injuries to Mr Lambert. His colleague also suffered burns to his hands, feet and stomach.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) subsequent investigation found that the work had not been adequately planned, supervised, or conducted safely.

The risks associated with working near overhead power lines had not been appropriately assessed or controlled, and the equipment and methods of conducting the tasks at hand were unsuitable.

It was found that initially the work had been planned with the use of both tower scaffold and ladders to reach the highest parts of the house.

Ultimately, the work deviated from this to the use of ladders throughout.

Mr Watton had approved this methodology.

In addition, the HSE found issues with both the training provision and competency of the operatives conducting the work.

Sentencing

On 6th October 2026 at Warrington Magistrates Court, Mr Watton pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and received his 16-week suspended sentence, along with an order to pay costs of £10,645.

Keeley Eves, HSE Inspector, said:

“Work at height and work near overhead power lines are both high-risk activities. Employers must ensure that suitable equipment is selected, risks are fully assessed, and workers are adequately trained and supervised.

“The very lives of those workers depend on these decisions.

“Our thoughts remain with all of Connor’s loved ones.”

Working At Height Safely

HSE guidance states that where work at height cannot be avoided, it must be properly planned, adequately supervised and carried out safely.

This includes using suitable equipment and work methods, including ensuring those who are conducting the work are competent to do so.

When working near overhead powerlines, suitable measures to eliminate or reduce the associated risks must be considered and implemented. This includes matters such as isolating the power supply, using appropriate equipment and maintaining safe distances.