A business owner has been fined nearly £14,000 after a customer was injured by a forklift truck.

Richard Meaker, of RJ Meaker Fencing, was found guilty of two breaches of health and safety laws at a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

It came after “serious deficiencies” were found by council officials at the company’s site in Middle Street, Portslade, which injured a customer in March.

The man was in the yard picking up a bag of sand he had bought when a fork lift truck reversed into him, badly injuring his foot and lower leg.

After prosecution by Brighton and Hove City Council, Mr Meaker was fined £13,825 at a hearing.

Tim Nichols, the council’s head of licensing, said: “Once again it has taken a tragic incident involving an innocent individual to high-light the fundamental importance of following health and safety regulations.”

To report cases call 01273 294429 or email ehl.safety@brightonhove.gov.uk