A TRUCK dealership owned by multi-millionaire businessman Pino Harris has asked the High Court to halt its prosecution under health and safety legislation over the sale of a lorry crane unit acquired by the company after the unit was involved in a fatal accident.
J Harris Assemblers is seeking an order preventing its prosecution under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1989 following its sale on September 3rd, 2003, of a lorry crane unit. The unit was involved in an accident in November 2002 in which a man died.
The Harris company, which has been involved in the sale and distribution of Hino Trucks since the 1960s, acquired the unit some time after the accident occurred. The company says it was unaware of its involvement in an accident.
In 2007, the firm was charged with a number of breaches of the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1989. It was alleged that the lorry crane unit was not tested to ensure it would be a safe place to work.
In judicial review proceedings before Mr Justice John Hedigan, the firm contends there is a real risk of an unfair trial because of delays by the DPP and the Health and Safety Authority in prosecuting the matter.
The firm also claims its prosecution is contrary to natural justice and in breach of fair procedures.
The DPP denies any risk of an unfair trial.