Three in court over Sterecycle worker’s death

THREE men appeared at court this week over the death of Rotherham dad Michael Whinfrey, who died in a recycling plant explosion three years ago.

Sterecycle’s maintenance manger Kevin Goss, operations director Paul Greenwell, and operations manager Steven Weaver all appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday.

All three are charged with health and safety breaches, while Goss is accused of perverting the course of justice.

Sterecycle is charged with corporate manslaughter.

Mr Whinfrey (42), from Wickersley, died from multiple injuries after the blast at the plant in Sheffield Road, Templeborough, in January 2011.

His friend and colleague Peter Davis, from Barnsley, was seriously hurt but survived.

The three defendants were given bail and are due to return to Sheffield for a trial in October.

The Sterecycle plant closed in 2012 after going into liquidation.