THE country's largest newsagent's chain pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of staff at its Winsford shop after a woman was seriously injured in a robbery.

Martin McColl, which has 1,250 stores nationally, was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs by magistrates in Northwich, on Wednesday, August 25.

Cheshire West and Chester's regulatory services launched an investigation following an early morning robbery at the Willow Square store in November 2008.

Branch Manager Christine Rowe was knocked unconscious and suffered internal injuries to the eye and a fractured eye socket.

The court heard how the culprit had turned into a 'raged animal' before leaving the scene with the contents of the safe. He has never been caught.

Ian Moore, prosecuting on behalf of the council, told the court that, prior to this incident, a robbery had taken place at the store where both tills were seized.

He said the company had failed to assess the risks associated with the shop, amounting to 'a catastrophic management failure'.

He said: "The level of risk was foreseeable.

"It doesn't take any rocket science to see how vulnerable this shop is."

Representing the newsagents Richard Orridge, said there was no risk assessment on earth that could prevent a robbery from turning into a viscous assault, but admitted the company hadn't done enough.

"Measures were taken to improve security following the first incident in October.

"A new external CCTV camera was fitted as well as an extension to the alarm."

"I wouldn't accept that there has been a catastrophic failure of management, but the company is accepting it's not done enough."

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: "This is the first prosecution of its type for this authority and I am reassured with the outcome.

"It is unacceptable for any company to leave its staff open to violent and aggressive attacks.

"Advice and support on health and safety issues is available to all businesses from the local authority - there really is no excuse to fail store employees in such a way.”

• Any business within Cheshire West and Chester that requires advice on health and safety issues can speak to the team enforcement officers on 0300 123 7038