A top German firm insists that a machine in which a Bradford textile worker died is safe, a Court heard.

David Grieve, 41, died in February last year after his arm became trapped in the rollers of a £300,000 heat-finishing machine at the premises of H Armitage and Co in Victoria Road, Eccleshill.

In a case brought by the Health and Safety Executive, the firm admitted failing to ensure the safety of its workers.

The city's magistrates decided the offence was so serious that sentencing should take place at the Crown Court, where an unlimited fine can be imposed.

The court heard that the firm had not provided safe access to a working platform on the machine and no-one had properly monitored training.

But solicitor Paul Burnley, mitigating, said the machine's German makers, M-TEC, had provided three weeks' training for Mr Grieve and told him about the hazards.

He added: "The machine was bought from one of the world's leading manufacturers, who maintain that it's entirely safe despite this accident.''

Directors of Armitage & Co were extremely upset and saddened by the incident, as they did not know there was a problem with the machine.

Magistrates' chairman Edwin Wallis said it was not unreasonable for Armitage's to assume the makers had provided a safe machine.

"However, it is extremely well known in the industry about the dangers of rollers. We feel the company has a fairly major responsibility in that aspect of it.

"The company has the direct responsibility to know what training is required and, as far as we can tell, very little was done,'' said Mr Wallis.

"There was no safe means of access to this platform, which had to be used.

"These rollers have to be cleaned weekly and there was no safe access.''

A misadventure verdict was recorded last October at the inquest on Mr Grieve, of Hillside Terrace, Bradford.

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