In September that year, demolition at a site in Cannock, Staffordshire, revealed 218 square metres of asbestos-containing materials and debris.

An HSE inspector visited the site amid concerns the deadly carcinogen would put workers and members of the public at risk.

It was established that Sohan Group Limited — the client for the project — had commissioned an asbestos management survey before work began, which identified some asbestos-containing materials.

These results were shared with demolition contractor Maize Metals Limited that proceeded regardless.

Sohan Group had not appointed a principal contractor to manage the construction project, as required by law.

Following the refurbishment and demolition survey, the company obtained a quote for removal by a licensed asbestos removal contractor but instead appointed Disa Properties Limited, represented by Ali Raza Baig, to carry out the asbestos clear-up.

Neither the company nor Baig held the necessary licence or competence to work with asbestos.

The two companies, and Baig, were sentenced at a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates on 6th March 2026.

Sohan Group pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £74,900 and ordered to pay costs of £3,658.14 and a statutory surcharge of £2,000.

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Maize Metals also pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £13,400 and ordered to pay costs of £1,359.51 and a statutory surcharge of £2,000.

Baig pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and made subject to an electronically monitored curfew between 19:00 and 07:00 for three months.

A director disqualification order was made under Section 2(1) of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 for five years from 6 March 2026. Baig was warned that breach of the order is a criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay costs of £5,899 and a statutory surcharge of £154.

“Asbestos is a Class 1 carcinogen which is known to kill around 20 tradespeople each week due to past exposure,” said Rob Gidman, inspector at the HSE.

“By failing to ensure the demolition was properly planned and managed, considering the presence of asbestos on site, these companies and Mr Baig put workers and members of the public at risk of being exposed to a substance known to cause fatal lung disease.

“This case should serve as a reminder to those engaged in demolition and refurbishment work that they have responsibilities when it comes to managing the risks associated with asbestos.”

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and paralegal officer Stephen Grabe.