Man suffered life-changing injuries after being crushed by falling lamppost in Glasgow's Westend

A veteran suffered life-changing injuries after a lamppost fell on top of him outside a school.

Colin Shaw, 50, was struck as he spoke to a colleague near Glasgow’s Kelvinside Academy on June 20, 2023.

The lamppost, which was twice its life expectancy, had been due for replacement 11 months after the incident.

However, it pinned Mr Shaw to the ground as a car caught onto the lamppost’s cable and kept it on him.

Glasgow City Council pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Mr Shaw had been talking to a colleague outside the school that day, around 4.15pm.

Prosecutor Richard Brown said: “Mr Shaw had his back to the lamppost when moments later his colleague saw it fall towards them.

“She ran and screamed towards Mr Shaw, but it struck him from behind and pinned him face down to the ground.

“The cable attached to the lamppost was caught by a passing car, which dragged the lamppost over him.”

The cable was removed from him when another car got caught up in it.

A 999 call was made, and emergency service crews found Mr Shaw conscious but “screaming in pain.”

He was taken to hospital where he was found to have suffered “serious life-changing injuries” including multiple spine and rib fractures, as well as a fracture to his tibia and ankle.

He had to undergo surgery on some areas twice after the first attempts had failed.

The result of the surgery meant that one of his legs is now shorter than the other.

Mr Brown said: “Before this incident, he was a military veteran who had an active lifestyle, who was a regular hillwalker.

“He describes having flashbacks, and his wife has had to reduce her working hours.

“The incident has affected his mental health, and he is receiving psychological treatment and support.”

An investigation carried out found that the lamppost had an expiry service life of 20 to 25 years, but was still in operation twice over that period.

It was described as being in a “poor condition” and had been due to be replaced in April 2024. Its previous inspection was in March 2022.

The inspection had failed due to the extent of corrosion on the lamppost.

Other lampposts in the surrounding streets had also been checked for their safety after the incident.

Colin Smith, defending, told the court: “I formally convey the council’s sincere apologies that this incident occurred, particularly that it resulted in such terrible injuries to Mr Shaw.

“At the time, if the council knew that the lamppost posed a risk, then it would have been removed.

“The failure by an individual should not impugn the inspections in their generality.”

The hearing was told that the council’s annual budget for 2024 and 2025 was £1.7 billion.

The council have spent £7.5 million to replace similar lampposts over the next three years.

Sentence was deferred until next month by Sheriff Iain Fleming.

In a statement released through Digby Brown Solicitors, Colin Shaw said: “This accident has had a huge impact on my life and I am pleased it has now come to a conclusion.

“I now request privacy as I continue my recovery and rehabilitation.”