Gavin Mutch, trading as G Mutch Developments, had been contracted to carry out renovations at the property including roofing work. Despite being warned by the customer that asbestos was potentially present in the fascia boards, Mutch proceeded to remove the asbestos-containing materials on 8th  September 2022.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Mutch had carried out unlicensed and therefore illegal asbestos removal work. This type of work should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos contractor with appropriate safety controls in place.

Mutch, of Cheadle Hulme, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Manchester Magistrates Court on 8th April 2025. He was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with 180 hours Unpaid Work and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.

This case highlights the importance of HSE’s current “Asbestos and You” campaign, which reminds tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of working safely with it.

Asbestos can be present in buildings constructed before 2000 and can cause serious diseases when disturbed. Workers in trades such as construction, maintenance, demolition and installation are particularly at risk.

HSE inspector David Norton said: “This case demonstrates why our ‘Asbestos and You’ campaign is so vital. At HSE, we want to raise awareness across the industry about the importance of having suitable control measures in place when working with asbestos-containing materials. Licensed work requires specific training, equipment and practices to ensure safety.”