An inspector yesterday told a jury about the tests done with a two-tonne limestone block after one toppled over and killed a 23-year-old stonemason’s mate.

Cavendish Masonry Ltd denies corporate manslaughter following the fatal injuries suffered by David Evans in February 2010 at the Well Barn Estate in Moulsford, near Wallingford.

Mr Evans and his colleagues were building a Mediterranean wall for a new house when the stone, which was being put into place by a crane, toppled on to Mr Evans and pinned him to steps.

He was taken to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital but pronounced dead.

Health and Safety Executive inspector James Grieve took measurements of the scene where Mr Evans was hurt.

He told the jury at Oxford Crown Court yesterday that one tipping test showed the stone went from standing to toppling when moved just 25mm.

He said: “It is a very tiny difference between the point of failure and standing.”

The trial continues.

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