Landfill death inquest begins
Thursday, 2 February 2012
THE inquest into the death of Ballyclare man David Layland began last week, revealing he died as a result of his injuries after his body was discovered at a Newtownabbey landfill site where he worked in 2008.
Mr Layland, 23, the site's health and safety officer, was last seen at approximately 2.30pm on August 21, 2008. His body was then discovered the following day (Friday, August 22).
State pathologist, Professor Jack Crane said that Mr Layland had died after sustaining multiple injuries, possibly caused by mechanical machinery.
Professor Crane said that Mr Layland's injuries were so severe his body had to be identified by dental records and his clothes. He also said that had his body been crushed then there was no evidence of suffering and in all likelihood would have died from his injuries on the day he went missing.
The police search adviser involved in the subsequent search for Mr Layland, Sgt James Moore was also in attendance to present evidence to the inquiry.
He said that police were called to the Biffa Waste Services site in Mallusk shortly before 8pm on the day of Mr Layland's disappearance, where the search operation was immediately organised.
Sgt Moore explained that specialist diggers were used in the operation to move large areas of landfill around the area where Mr Layland was last seen.
At around 8pm on Friday August 22, Mr Layland's body was discovered among the disposed refuse.
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