A STEEL firm has denied breaching health and safety rules in connection with the death of a Caldicot father-of-two in an explosion more than three years ago.

Mechanical engineer Mark Sim, 41, died with workmate and father-of-six Peter O’Brien in a blast at Celsa UK’s Cardiff plant on November 18, 2015.

Celsa Manufacturing Ltd pleaded not guilty at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday (January 14) to failing to ensure the health and safety of employees on and before November 18, 2015. The case has been adjourned to October 10 for a trial.

The blast happened in the basement of the plant’s rod and bar mill, where five men were also injured.

Originally from Tyneside, Mr Sim was based at Beachley barracks after joining the Army and went on to serve in the Royal Engineers before joining the steel industry in 2003.

The husband of Samantha and father of teenage children Georgia and Jackson, was a coach at Caldicot Youth Football Club, played darts for the club and loved karaoke.

Announcing his death in 2015, Caldicot Town FC club secretary Steve Bright posted: “The club has learnt today of the devastating news that Mark Sim has died in the recent accident in the Celsa Steelworks.

“On behalf of the club, our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his family, including his wife Sam, son Jackson and their daughter. Mark was a coach/parent greatly involved with our U14 side, and has played darts for the club.”

A lifelong Newcastle United fan, mourners at his funeral at Cinderford Crematorium wore the club’s black and white in tribute to him.

His wife said in a statement at the time of his death: “I will cherish the time we had together, the laughs and parties because Mark loved a good party – always the last one to leave.

“Mark will leave a big hole in our hearts and a great void in the lives of his daughter Georgia and son Jackson and to everyone’s lives that he touched.”