My loveable Neil died in his prime

From the Echo, first published Thursday 13th Jan 2005.

A HEARTBROKEN father has paid touching tributes to his "loveable rogue son" who was electrocuted after climbing a tree to cut a 15ft high hedge and suffering a fatal shock from 11,000-volt power lines.

Jurors at Bournemouth Town Hall heard how gardener Neil Robertson, 25, from Tedder Close, West Howe, had been working at Willow Mead, Throop, on July 16 last year when the tragedy happened.

Next-door neighbour Leonard Vincent told the hearing how he had heard a hedge trimmer starting up.

"He must have only cut a few branches when there was a heavy thud and he landed in my garden, about three yards away," he said.

Mr Vincent alerted the emergency services and a cardiac team tried in vain to revive the father-of-one. He was airlifted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where his death was confirmed a short time later.

Home Office pathologist Dr Allan Anscombe said he had found burn marks on Mr Robertson's left thumb and both legs. A post-mortem examination showed he had been electrocuted.

William Charman, who employed Bizibees Ltd to carry out weekly garden maintenance work, said: "I did not expect them to trim the tops of the trees. It was the electricity company's responsibility to cut the hedge."

The jury heard how Mr Robertson's employer Keith Tricksey had been mowing the lawn and wearing ear protectors, unaware of what had happened, until he heard the commotion in the adjoining garden.

Health and Safety inspector Frank Flannery told the hearing how the power lines and a warning notice in Mr Charman's garden had complied with safety regulations.

Electrical specialist Efion Davies confirmed no defects have been found on the 7ft 11ins long petrol-driven hedge trimmer.

"The only source of electric was the overhead power lines. Given the deceased was using a long reach hedge trimmer, under overhead cables, there was a high risk of direct or indirect contact.

"A risk assessment should have been carried out. No work should have been done until the owners of the line had been consulted."

Mr Tricksey declined to give evidence.

After jurors returned an accidental death verdict, Mr Robertson's father, also called Neil Robertson, said: "I'm not happy and intend to take civil action. There are so many questions left unanswered.

"Neil was a loveable rogue who would have helped anyone. If we were in trouble all we had to do was pick up the phone and he would be right there. He was that sort of lad.

"Neil was in his prime. His girlfriend was expecting their first child and he was over the moon. It's so sad he didn't live to see their baby who is due next month."

Mr Flannery described the Health and Safety Executive's investigation as "ongoing".

First published: January 13

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