THE devastated mum of a Llanelli car plant worker who died after he was struck by a forklift truck have spoken of her heartache at the tragedy.

Father-of-two Darren Small, 35, of Loughor, died nearly three years ago after the incident at Calsonic Kansei.

Darren's mother, Barbara, of Brynymor Road, Gowerton, and her family have been living with the grief they have suffered ever since the tragedy.

The company has pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching health and safety law.

It will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Friday — three years and one day after the tragedy.

Mr Small left two children, Ashley, now 14, and Natasha, now 13.

Darren's mother, Barbara, of Brynymor Road, Gowerton, and her family have been living with the grief they have suffered ever since the tragedy.

Barbara said: "It's like as if it was yesterday.

"It's horrendous. The children are really struggling as well. I'm on medication through the stress. I have a bad problem with my heart through the stress — I was fine before.

"It's very difficult for us.

"My daughter, Kelly, and her partner split up over it. She was in such a state herself.

"Myself, if Darren's favourite band, The Stereophonics, come on the radio, I'm bawling my head off.

"It's terrible for Darren's children."

Calsonic Kansei is to be sentenced after a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive following the death of Mr Small.

He suffered significant head injuries in the accident on March 17, 2008.

He was airlifted to Morriston Hospital after the incident where he died three days later — the day he was due to finish work to spend more time with his family. Barbara said: "Darren loved his family. He was due to finish, taking voluntary redundancy.

"He was a lovely boy. He was so caring. He lived for his children. He wanted to be with his kids.

"He used to do everything for us, because my husband is registered disabled he would do everything for ourselves and his sister."

The family have used the Irish patron saint's day to celebrate the life of Darren since the tragedy.

"We always get together to remember him.

"We meet in a pub and have a drink for him. All his mates come and some of the boys from work. It's a celebration of his life."

Mrs Small says she has endured considerable heartache in the three years she has been waiting for justice.

"I would hate any other family to go through what we went through," she said. "It has completely devastated our lives."

A spokesman for Calsonic Kansei UK said: "Darren was a valued and well-liked member of staff and his loss has been devastating to all involved.

"The company continues to extend its deepest sympathies and concern to his family."

In November Calsonic admitted two breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act at Ammanford Magistrates' Court.

The company will appear before Swansea Crown Court on Friday for a sentencing hearing

shaun.greaney@swwmedia.co.uk