THE father of a teenager who lost a leg after being buried alive for more than 12 hours is being prosecuted for alleged breaches of health and safety legislation.

Jed Christie was rescued by the emergency services in May after becoming trapped whilst laying sewerage pipes on land at Henshaw Lane, Yeadon.

Now three charges have been laid against the father, Lance Jamieson Christie, trading as Weavabel in New Road Side, Rawdon, following a Health and Safety Executive investigation.

Rescuers said Jed, 19, the eldest of seven children, owed his life to a boulder which became lodged in the trench above him, creating an air pocket and rescuers - including firefighters, paramedics and members of the South Yorkshire Mine Rescue Team - worked through the night to free him.

Following the accident the former Horsforth School pupil had to have his leg amputated and he spent several weeks in hospital before being allowed home.

The case against Mr Christie is due to come before Pudsey magistrates on October 16.

The charges allege all practicable steps were not taken where necessary to prevent danger to any person, to ensure that an excavation did not collapse accidentally.

They also allege that, as a client for a construction project, subject to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994, a planning supervisor and principal contractor were not appointed.

Mr Christie, who runs the Weavabel clothing label manufacturing business at Rawdon, declined to comment on the charges but said Jed was aware of the prosecution and added: "I'm seeking legal advice so just how we respond will become clear as time goes on."

Meanwhile, Mr Christie, who together with his wife Deborah spent hours by their son's hospital bedside following the accident, said Jed was continuing to make good progress.

He added: "We're hoping he'll have a temporary artificial leg fitted towards the end of next month and a permanent one by the end of the year.

"He's still very bright and uncomplaining which is remarkable really.

"His spirit and progress are of great comfort to everyone."

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