Robin Tarn says he has become dependent on painkillers since he injured his back after falling almost 10ft while working on a four-bedroom bungalow in Cleadon for Sunderland-based Murray Construction and Development last May.

The 50-year-old, who suffered a serious spinal fracture, now wears a back brace, and hasn't worked since he fell while putting up a truss.

He also bruised his shoulder and strained ligaments in his left knee.

After a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, his employer was fined £10,000 for failing to make a proper risk assessment for working at height.

It was also ordered to pay Mr Tarn £5,000 in compensation, along with HSE costs of £1,414 and administration costs of £15.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation.

Michael Brown, prosecuting, said: "It is the responsibility of the company to assess the risk of any work being done, and to put appropriate measures in place, which was not done.

"One of the things that should have been done was for Mr Tarn to be properly inducted before he started work on the site.

"As a result of the fall, Mr Tarn has suffered physically, mentally and financially."

The court heard how the fall has had a significant effect on his family life, particularly on Mr Tarn, of Sunderland, and his wife-to-be.

Murray Construction said it "deeply regretted" the incident.

Suzanne Drinkwater, defending, said: "This was an unfortunate accident which has affected everyone concerned.

"The company's thoughts are with the injured party and his family.

"The company has been trading for almost 35 years, and, prior to this accident, had a good health and safety record."