The deaths occurred when a tractor used for hedge cutting fell into the waterway, possibly as a result of the bank side collapsing.

‘I deeply regret that these tragic deaths occurred and offer my condolences to the family and friends of the two men,’ said BW chief executive Robin Evans after the verdict. ‘We’ve pleaded guilty and received sentence today because one of the reasons for these tragic deaths was an inadequacy in our safety systems. Immediately after this accident happened we thoroughly reviewed our safety systems.’

I am confident in the systems now in place for the procurement of contractors’ services and assessment of contractors and sub-contractors safety competencies, he added.

BW was fined £100,000.