Fly-Tipped Asbestos Nearly Kills Cyclist

A cyclist, Colin Appleton, 66, experienced life-threatening injuries after striking a dismantled asbestos-riddled shed on a country road in Brentwood, Essex. His tyre was punctured by a nail from the debris, leading to a severe accident.

Appleton was airlifted to King's College Hospital in London, where he spent three weeks unconscious with a ten percent survival rate. He has since undergone surgery to remove a quarter of his skull and has suffered fractures and ongoing physical and mental impairments.

He struggles with memory loss, unable to recall his family members' names or past events. The accident has resulted in him losing his driving license and independence, relying now on public transport.

The tree surgeon responsible for fly-tipping the asbestos-laden shed, Craig Frewin, 36, was sentenced to 16 months in prison on April 30, 2026. The judge noted the offence was committed deliberately and cynically, highlighting the severe consequences of such actions.