Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) has slammed the sentence handed down to a Christchurch man.

Richard Lascelles was sentenced to 175 hours community service after pleading guilty to a breach of the Companies Act and a breach of the Insolvency Act in the Christchurch District Court today.

The 39 year old continued to be involved in the management of Independent Scaffolding Supplies Limited, which traded as “Advanced Scaffolding” after October 2008, despite being prohibited from acting as a director in September 2008 and being judged a bankrupt in October the same year.

Graham Burke, president of SARNZ, today hit out at the “paltry” sentence given to Mr Lascelles, who he says cynically under-cut competitors in the industry.

“There is no place in the scaffolding industry for the likes of Mr Lascelles and we are disappointed at the light sentence handed down. The judge had the opportunity to send a message to those cowboys working in the industry that this practice would not be tolerated and it is frustrating that Mr Lascelles has been let off so lightly.

“He threatens our vision to ensure the highest professional standards in the industry. These standards are not just about doing a good job, but maintaining a reputation.”

Via: www.voxy.co.nz