No doubt six-year wait for justice played part in my partner’s death
VICTIM ONE
A six-year wait for a case to be dealt with contributed to a grandad’s death, his family believe.
Danny Martyn and his partner Sheila McDonald were at home in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, in 2012, when a huge explosion destroyed the house.
It took until February 2018 for a court case, which saw contractors fined £80,000, to conclude.
Danny died this year without seeing any compensation.
Sheila, 80, who was propelled through a window in the incident, said: “It took six years to come to court, which just added more stress to us. Even the judge commented on how long it had taken.
“Danny was in and out of hospital and there’s no doubting that the length of time it all took played a part in him passing away.”
Danny’s brother Douglas, 75, said: “The length of time it took to deal with their case played a significant part in Danny’s death.
“As his health failed, he became more worried about leaving Sheila having to fight for justice.
“It got to the point where I stopped asking if there was any progress as I saw the stress even mentioning it brought.
“We know it was complex, but six years is utterly ridiculous. The whole thing became a farce and left Danny and Sheila shattered.”
The couple were treated in hospital for burns and shock, as well as neck, back and shoulder injuries but then faced years of anguish waiting for a case to be brought against Turriff Contractors Ltd.
The firm admitted responsibility after it fitted a gas main too close to electrical wiring.
Danny died in January following years of poor health. He couldn’t pursue compensation until the criminal case against Turriff was completed.
The family said they were aware Crown Office officials faced a lengthy wait before they received a report on the blast from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but said the Crown was in overall charge.
It’s understood the HSE submitted a report to the procurator fiscal in 2014 but was asked for further reports.
The HSE said: “This was a complex investigation, dependent on a number of agencies, with many obstacles to navigate.”
A Crown Office spokesman said: “It is a matter of regret when the time taken to conclude any investigation adds to the distress suffered by those affected.
“The Crown recognises that it is desirable to conclude cases as swiftly as possible and has processes in place to progress its work effectively.”