A mechanic has been given the go ahead to take legal action to seek compensation for injuries he incurred at work.

Martyn Coope was at the controls of a fork lift truck when it crashed into a lorry due to brake failure. He had previously reported this fault to his employers.

The 17 year old received extensive injuries to his arm. Following skin grafts and the insertion of metal rods, he still has not retained full use of it.

Mr Coope's employers, William West Distribution, have since admitted that they had been in breach of health and safety laws. The firm was fined £27,000.

Following this ruling, he will now submit an accident claim against his former employers in the civil courts.