Steven Hendry, of Liskeard in Cornwall, was first investigated after reports were raised around his workers carrying out roof work without any scaffolding in place.

Hendry, trading as Apex Roofing & Property Services, was found to be breaching Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work Act and initially served a prohibition notice which he ignored.

As well as continuing to carry out roof work without scaffolding, and refusing to meet an information request by the regulator, Hendry was verbally abusive towards an HSE inspector. He also chose not to attend court which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued.

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He has since pleaded guilty to section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £3,852 at Plymouth Magistrates Court on 25th November 2025.

The court also approved an application made by HSE for Hendry to provide information requested by them under section 20 of the act. He has until 1 March 2026 to do this.

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Daniel Pool and paralegal officer Gabrielle O’Sullivan.

“In this case, the defendant made it impossible for us to conduct this work and confirm the safety of those he was paying to undertake roof work,” said Hatti Shipp, HSE inspector.

“Not only did Hendry demonstrate a flagrant disregard to HSE and its powers, he was also verbally abusive to me in the process.”