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Apprentice butcher, 16, who lost hand in mincing machine returns to work at same shop with prosthetic limb

Trainee Thomas Stevens, 16, had been working just six weeks when the horrific accident happened

Stevens was injured working at the shop and now uses a prosthetic.

An apprentice butcher who lost his hand in a mincing machine because his boss breached health and safety rules has returned to work - at the same shop.

Trainee Thomas Stevens, 16, had been working just six weeks when the horrific accident happened.

His dominant right hand was trapped in the machine at P&K meats in Surrey for more than 30 minutes before paramedics were forced to amputate it to free him.

Thomas' boss at Paul Jeffery has now been ordered to pay £15,000 in fines and court costs after admitting health and safety offences.

Tom Stevens, 17, from Westhay, Somerset, outside P&K Meats. (SWNS)
Tom Stevens, 17, from Westhay, Somerset, outside P&K Meats. (SWNS)
Tom Stevens' prosthetic arm (SWNS)
Tom Stevens' prosthetic arm (SWNS)


The machine did not have a guard fitted and Mr Jeffery had not given sufficient training to his staff, magistrates were told.

But despite what happened Thomas returned to work at the same shop just 28 days after the accident last summer - and is still working there.

Mr Jeffery said he loves running his own business, despite not making large profits, and he hoped to take Thomas on as a fully qualified butcher at the end of his apprenticeship.

He said he felt ‘personally responsible’ for the accident.

Ian Dixey, Mr Jeffery’s lawyer said: ‘He has tried his best to make it up to Tom by training him and passing on what he knows and the most important thing is that he has learnt from this.’

The court was told that a compensation claim for Mr Stevens' injuries was being dealt with separately through the Mr Jeffrey’s insurers.

Trainee Thomas Stevens, 17, has returned to work with his prosthetic arm. (SWNS)
Trainee Thomas Stevens, 17, has returned to work with his prosthetic arm. (SWNS)