A HAMPSHIRE construction firm was given an "unusually low fine" over the death of a worker because it had already gone bust, it emerged today.

Tony Abbot, 35, was killed when he fell 8ft from a scaffolding platform.

The panel-fitter suffered a fatal head injury which could have been avoided if safety regulations had been met, the Old Bailey in London was told.

His boss and best friend John Gibbons - owner of construction firm JMPI - admitted health and safety breaches along with contractor TSL Hygienics.

TSL, based near Fareham, was fined just £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,000 because it has gone into liquidation since the tragedy.

Grimsby-based JMPI was fined £8,000 because its financial situation was better, and was also ordered to pay £5,000 costs.

Judge Richard Hawkins QC admitted he was giving TSL an "unusually low" fine, but added: "The fine can never reflect the value of the loss of human life and is not intended to do so. The fine needs to be large enough to bring home the message that a safe environment should be achieved for workers, but it should not be so large as to imperil the company."

Judge Hawkins accepted that both companies had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had improved safety conditions.

TSL had been contracted to fit panelling at a Dairy Crest factory in Dagenham, Essex, and sub-contracted the work to JMPI.

Mr Gibbons and Mr Abbot were standing on a scaffolding platform when the accident occurred in September 2001. They had put all the panels in place and were installing the final trim when Mr Abbot, from Grimsby, fell to the ground.

Prosecutor James Ageros said: "A crash was heard. Mr Gibbons looked down to see Mr Abbot lying on the floor.

"He had suffered a massive head injury and died shortly afterwards. It seems likely he fell as he went to go down the ladder.

"Statistics show that falls from two metres and above are often likely to cause serious injuries and death."

Investigations by health and safety experts showed that the ladder leading up to the platform did not reach high enough above it to provide a handhold and was not properly secured.

JMPI, of Grimsby, admitted one breach of health and safety regulations by failing to install the ladder properly.

TSL, of Beacon Bottom, Park Gate, admitted two breaches.

Simon Antrobus, defending JMPI, said the company was run solely by Mr Gibbons and his wife.

Mr Antrobus said: "Mr Gibbons expresses great regret at the death of Mr Abbot. He was Mr Gibbons' best friend and had been so for a number of years."