A FIRM has been fined £12,000 after admitting two breaches of health and safety laws.

Pete Mellor Ltd, in Byrkley Street, Burton, was taken to court by the Health and Safety Executive after a 1.8 tonne weight from a fork lift truck fell on Keith Thompson.

As a result of the injury in October 2007 Mr Thompson's left leg was amputated below the knee.

The firm admitted failing to provide a safe system of work in relation to the removal of a counterbalance weight from a forklift and failing to carry out a risk assessment.

At Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court this morning the firm was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £2,564 in costs.