A cowboy builder in the UK has been jailed after a stone mantelpiece he fitted with glue fell off the wall and crushed a six-year-old girl to death.
Christopher Elmer from Middlesex will serve eight months for his role in the young girl’s death after it was revealed he had taken shortcuts in his work, and only used minimal adhesive to attach the 86kg limestones to the wall.
Little Isabella Pritchard, who was known as Bella, was rushed to hospital with massive head injuries after the stone feature fell on top of her when it came away from the wall.
The tragedy happened on July 7th, 2012, just over eight months after the fire surround had been fitted by the self-employed builder.
Judge John Reddihough said at the time of sentencing, "It must be made clear to persons that go into homes professing to be a skilled workman and carry out slip-shod and unsafe work that result in death, that they must be punished."
A teacher of Bella said she had been a much loved and happy child.
“She was a very special little girl with an infectious love of live. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, her laughter and her caring gentle nature," she said.
