former in law of the man claiming damages after being crippled in a workplace accident, it emerged on Friday.

Rennard Russell, 63, fell more than 18 feet while working for Headley Stephenson, of Stephenson Construction at the Flying Chef restaurant in North Street, Hamilton in June 1992. Mr. Russell ended up a paraplegic.

On Friday, Mr. Stephenson denied letting his workers cross a dangerous 18-foot gap to Mr. Russell's apartment next door to get tools, drinking water and use the washroom.

Mr. Stephenson said he provided drinking water on the site and denied Mr.

Russell's earlier testimony that the water tank was polluted.

In the Supreme Court civil case, Mr. Russell's lawyer Juliana Jack asked the defendant: "Why are five witnesses saying they went to Mr. Russell's house if you provided it (the water)?'' She also questioned why Mr. Stephenson said the workers brought thermos flasks full of water when he was also saying water was on the site.

Mr. Stephenson was asked if, during his 745 hours on the jobs site, he had noticed anyone crossing the gap using a ladder.

He said: "I have not noticed anyone crossing the gap by the ladder or without, I think if I had seen this practice I would have talked to them.'' Mr. Stephenson said he had suspected the ladder was being used as a bridge and so had to keep removing it.

He said: "I didn't know who kept putting it there. I would take it back down, another time I would see it back there again.'' He said he had tried warning his workers not to use the ladder.

Asked about the testimony of two workers who said they crossed the gap every day or nearly every day Mr. Stephenson said: "I don't know why they are saying these things.'' Mrs. Jack said: "Why do you keep saying that, are you saying there is a conspiracy?'' Mr. Stephenson replied: "No, I don't know the reason.'' Mr. Stephenson was quizzed about his relationship with Mr. Russell who now lives at Shelton Road, Cavendish Heights.

He told the court: "We grew up together. He's my ex-brother in law. I am not sure how long the marriage lasted to my sister.'' Mrs. Jack pointed out that it had lasted 27 years and she asked him why one of his workers had stated that Mr. Stephenson was at Mr. Russell's house so much he thought he lived there.

The defendant, from Knapton Estate, Smiths, replied: "I don't know the reason for that. It's not true.'' The plaintiff's lawyer also allege Mr. Stephenson was seen crossing the gap himself on many occasions.