Capstone Building Ltd went into administration six months after Thomas Telfer was killed in June 2015 when he was struck by falling masonry after a retaining wall failed as it was being back filled with concrete.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard an HSE investigation found that the company had failed to appropriately manage the work that was being carried out at the site at Chatterton Heights, Lyme Regis and failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees on site, including Telfer.

Capstone Building Limited were found guilty of safety breaches and were fined £900,000 and ordered to pay costs of £60,336.99.

The firm’s sole director, Stephen Ayles, of Weymouth, was found not guilty of the same charges.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Ian Whittles said: “This tragic incident could so easily have been avoided if the appropriate measures were in place to provide a safe working practice.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”