A Dartford construction firm has been fined £800,000 after a man accidentally crushed his brother to death by running him over with a dumper truck at Heathrow Airport.

Robert Paul Griffiths’ foot became stuck between the truck’s brake and accelerator when he tried to move a broken-down scissor lift on a service road at the airport on October 2, 2014.

The truck reversed and crushed Mr Griffiths’ brother Philip, 38, who was standing between the two vehicles.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation by the Health and Safety executive (HSE) found neither brother was authorised with the appropriate certificate to use the dumper truck and the operation was not properly overseen or managed.

The construction firm Laing O’Rourke, of Crossways in Dartford, pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations.

It was fined £800,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 in costs at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, March 24.

After the sentencing, Mr Griffiths spoke of how his brother’s death had “devastated” the family and led to the deterioration of his father’s health.

He said: “When I lost Phil, I lost not only my brother, I lost my best friend.

"His passing fundamentally affected my life and devastated my whole family.

“I can't help but think if Phil hadn't been involved in that accident, my dad, who told me he was broken-hearted at losing him, would have battled on longer and may still be here today.

"There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about Phil and whether anything could have been done differently to avoid the tragedy.

"I now feel I am totally alone and, although I have a small group of friends for support, they can't replace my family.

"My whole life changed for the worst on October 2, 2014, and will never be the same again."

HSE inspector Jack Wilby said: "This incident was a tragedy for all concerned and, as revealed by our investigation, entirely avoidable.

"Laing O'Rourke did nothing to address the trend of these workers carrying out tasks they weren't trained or authorised for.

"These dedicated staff, including Philip and his brother, needed appropriate supervision.

"Had there been appropriate supervision, then better segregation between Philip and these two vehicles could have been established and maintained.

"This case should act as a reminder of the dangers of using workplace transport without proper planning, management or monitoring of the risks involved."