Reading kitchen worktop company fined £300,000 after worker injured
The director of Classic Quartz Stone Ltd has been given a suspended sentence
Last updated 9th Jul 2026
A director of Classic Quartz Stone Ltd, a kitchen worktop wholesaler based in Reading, has been sentenced to a 12-month suspended jail term as his company faces a £300,000 fine after an employee suffered life-threatening injuries in a warehouse accident.
The incident occurred in June 2022 when an employee, who had started working at the company only a month before, was struck by heavy quartz slabs ranging between 800-1100kg in weight at Unit 5, Preston Road in Reading.
As a result of the accident, the worker spent over 50 days in hospital, with 28 days in intensive care, suffering from fractured ribs, a liver laceration, and a heart blood clot.
Investigation Uncovers Safety Failures
An extensive investigation by Reading Council followed, revealing deficiencies in risk assessments, training, and safety systems of the company.
Prohibition notices were issued in September 2022 after the Council's food and safety team discovered unsatisfactory handling conditions of quartz slabs at other locations, including Unit 7 Nimrod Way.
A review of five weeks' worth of CCTV footage from the warehouse showed numerous previous near-misses, with 175 health and safety breaches identified.
Failures included allowing children in hazard zones, insufficient personal protective equipment, and inadequate separation between vehicles and pedestrians.
Court Sentencing
On 6th July 2026, Reading Crown Court reviewed disturbing footage of the accident alongside various Health & Safety failings identified during the investigation including inadequate inductions, risk assessments, and unsafe work systems.
Director Monther Aries received a suspended custodial sentence, prompted by his previous conviction under another name related to similar offences in 2010 in Hayes.
Besides the £300,000 fine, Classic Quartz Stone Ltd was ordered to pay a victim surcharge and compensation to the injured employee.
Councillor Rachel Eden expressed deep concern over the case, emphasising the importance of safety regulations and praising the work of the Council officers in safeguarding worker welfare.