A sole trader has been sentenced after his stepson was fatally electrocuted while working on a domestic property in Chester.

Daniel Watton, 50, trading as Inside Out Painters and Decorators Property Maintenance, was given a suspended jail sentence in relation to the death of trainee painter Connor Lambert.

The 24-year-old, from Market Drayton, died after coming into contact with electricity when a ladder was being moved near overhead power lines.

Connor, who had been expecting his first child with partner Megan McCann, had been working at the house in Farndon on 29 July 2024 when the incident occurred.

Describing him as someone "always put everyone else first" and "loved family life", she said: "Connor was amazing. He had the cheekiest grin and would light up any room he was in – he was so funny.

"We had been trying for our own family for three years and he was over the moon when we found out I was pregnant. He never missed a midwife appointment and was elated when we found out we were having a baby girl."

The couple had spoken over the phone on the morning of his death, she explained, adding she was heavily pregnant at the time.

"But within minutes I got another phone call to say there had been accident and Connor was dead," Megan said. "I never thought I would have buried the love of my life and then given birth to our daughter 23 days later.

"She knows daddy is in the sky and at night he shines as a star – I'm making sure she knows who Connor is, but at some point I will have to explain to her what happened.

"I will never get over Connor's death – I still feel angry, numb and feel a massive part of my world has gone."

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Connor had been moving a fully extended ladder with a colleague at the gable end of the property.

During this process, the ladder either came into contact with an overhead power line or came close enough for an electrical arc to form. While Connor was killed, his colleague suffered burns to his hands, feet, and stomach.

The investigation also found the work at height had not been properly planned, supervised, or carried out safely.

The selected equipment and methods of work were unsuitable for the task and the risks associated with working near overhead power lines had not been adequately assessed or controlled.

Additionally, the investigation identified issues in relation to the training and competence of those carrying out the work.

The original plan of work involved using a tower scaffold and ladders to paint the exterior of the property, including an area with a glass canopy. In practice, the work deviated from this plan, with ladders used throughout.

This method was approved by Daniel Watton, but was also unsuitable and unsafe as demonstrated by the fatal incident.

Connor's father Craig West, who said the loss of his son had "changed" him, added: "I have lost the spring in my step and no longer have the drive I once had and work now has become a chore.

"After the findings of the inquest I find Connor's accident even more tragic as it should have so easily been avoided.

"I do hold people responsible for this situation."

HSE guidance states that where work at height cannot be avoided, it must be properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely.

This includes using suitable equipment and work methods and ensuring those involved are competent. Where work near overhead power lines is unavoidable, measures must be taken to eliminate or reduce the risk, such as isolating the power supply, using appropriate equipment, and maintaining safe distances.

Daniel Watton, of Bean Bank, Wollerton, Market Drayton, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £10,645 in costs at Warrington Magistrates Court on 6 October 2026.

HSE inspector Keeley Eves said: "This tragic incident meant a father never got to meet and hold his baby daughter. The fact it could and should have been prevented with proper planning and control measures, makes it all the more stark.

"Work at height and work near overhead power lines are both high-risk activities. Employers must ensure that suitable equipment is selected, risks are fully assessed, and workers are adequately trained and supervised.

"The very lives of those workers depend on these decisions. Our thoughts remain with all of Connor's loved ones."