Man dies after fleece caught in windmill

A WORKER on an old windmill died when the toggle of his fleece got caught in machinery, an inquest heard.

An old injury meant Peter Lett, 53, was not wearing workers’ overalls as he could not raise his arms to get into them. The volunteer, a former RAF engineer, died from multiple injuries when part of his clothing became entangled in an engine he was restoring at Heckington Windmill, in Lincolnshire.

He was pronounced dead at the scene on Feb 25. A jury at Lincoln Coroner’s Court was told Mr Lett had been conducting a risk assessment and the engine had not been fitted with safety guards.

The court also heard Mr Lett’s clothing was unsuitable for the work. The windmill had also provided safety goggles and ear defenders, but Mr Lett did not wear them. The jury returned a verdict that his death was accidental.

The site claims to be the world’s only working eightsail windmill.

It was built in 1830 and underwent a £1million renovation four years ago.