Builder Sentenced for Unlicensed Asbestos Fascia Removal

A BUILDER has been fined after carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal work at a house in Cheadle, Manchester.

Gavin Mutch, trading as G Mutch Developments, had been contracted to carry out renovations at the property including roofing work.

Despite the customer warning him that asbestos was potentially present in the fascia boards, Gavin Mutch proceeded to remove the asbestos-containing materials on 8 September 2022.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Gavin Mutch had carried out unlicensed and so illegal asbestos removal work.

Removal of material containing asbestos should only be done by a licensed asbestos contractor with the correct safety controls in place.

Pleaded Guilty

Gavin 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 8 April 2025. He was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with 180 hours Unpaid Work and ordered to pay £2000 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.

Unlicensed Asbestos Fascia Removal

HSE provides guidance for workers and employers about working safely with asbestos on its website.

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.”

The prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Crockett  and paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.

>> Read about more roofing court cases in the news