The Company was prosecuted in relation to the death of a respected team member John Flowers, from Preston, who died whilst working at height in 2013.

The HSE brought three charges relating to (i) failure to risk assess (ii) failure to manage work at height, and (iii) failure to ensure the safety of employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The Company was found not guilty of charges relating to failure to risk assess and failure to ensure the safety of its employees. It has been exonerated in respect of its underlying health and safety management but was found guilty of a technical failing to adequately manage work at height.

The Company are reflecting on today's sentence and are considering their options, which may include an appeal against the single guilty verdict.

Electricity North West Chief Executive Peter Emery said: “John was a valued colleague with over 30 years’ service to the Company. His death was a tragic loss to his family and to his colleagues. We were devastated by his loss.

“Working at height with electricity brings unique risk and safety is a continuous challenge. In finding us not guilty on two charges, the jury recognised the effectiveness of our risk assessment process and our compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act through our safe systems of work.

He added: “We’ll continue to work hard to make the job John loved as safe as possible.”