Developer Guilty of Safety Lapses on Unfinished Block

Developer Marcus Fielding has been convicted of serious health and safety offences concerning an unfinished six-storey building in Kettering, Northamptonshire. A judge ruled on Tuesday that Fielding, aged 53, and his company, Michigan Construction, put the public in danger with the "unsafe" building. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stated that investigations revealed the building was "dangerous" and potentially at risk of collapse. The court heard that Fielding contravened orders and failed to ensure scaffolding safety.

North Northamptonshire Council had previously raised concerns about the building's standard and planning permission, leading to a High Court order for its demolition in late 2023. The judge criticized Fielding for obstructing the demolition process. Despite Fielding's claims of taking steps to secure the building and citing financial difficulties preventing demolition, the judge found he continued working on the site in breach of orders, even with a child present. Sentencing for Fielding and his company is set for August 21st, with the possibility of a jail term for Fielding.