Ad
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
21.2 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  |  U.K. Edition

Scaffolding boss spared jail after causing £160,000 worth of damage

- Advertisement -

A BANKRUPT former scaffolding company boss who caused almost £160,000 damage after smashing his lorry into the headquarters of South Tyneside Homes, today vowed to rebuild his life after receiving a suspended prison sentence.

John Robertson, 44, drove his 22ft lorry into Strathmore House, at Jarrow’s Viking Industrial Park, on March 20, demolishing much of the entrance to the building.

The offence followed a contract row between housing bosses and Robertson, who later filed for bankruptcy, with debts of about £1.3m.

But despite receiving a 40-week prison term, suspended for two years, at Newcastle Crown Court this week, Robertson today told the Gazette he was planning to relaunch his business career as a sole trader.

Robertson, of York Avenue, Jarrow, who admitted criminal damage, said: “I’m just so relieved, for myself and my family, that I didn’t go to jail – which was what I was expecting, if I’m honest.

“I cannot be in charge of a limited company again, because I’m bankrupt, but I can be a sole trader.

“I’m going to start right from the bottom and carry out work such as scaffolding inspection, roofing or whatever work I can find.

“I will never get back to where I was with my business, but at least I can work again, with the support of some good friends.”

Robertson, who was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community service and made the subject of a one-year supervision order, recently saw his life and business crash around him, including bankruptcy and an impending divorce.

Until a few months ago, he employed 20 staff at Robertson Scaffolding at Wagonway Industrial Estate, Hebburn.

But his business has been dissolved and he admits his marriage is over.

Robertson said he “regrets” his actions against South Tyneside Homes, adding: “I have no bad feelings against the housing people and would even be willing to do business with them again.

“I think the judge must have taken all my problems into account when he sentenced me. Plus, there was no request for compensation, presumably because I’m bankrupt.”

While awaiting sentence, Robertson received 767 votes after standing as an Independent candidate for the Primrose ward in Jarrow at the May local elections, and plans to continue campaigning to become a South Tyneside councillor.

South Tyneside Homes today declined to comment.

Via: www.shieldsgazette.com
- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Most Read >

Scaffolders Could Down Tools in Heatwave Under New HSE Proposals

Scaffolders could be given the right to stop work...

New software aims to transform scaffolding business management

A new digital platform designed specifically for the scaffolding...

Scaffolding design platform ScaffPlan to feature at Trimble event

ScaffPlan, the scaffolding design and management platform, is set...

SMART Scaffolder to unveil new mobile app at ScaffEx25

SMART Scaffolder will launch its latest mobile app, SMART...

ITP invests in R&D hub to advance scaffolding protection products

A Yorkshire-based manufacturer of construction textiles is creating a...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Scaffolders Urged to Protect Swift Nests During Breeding Season

In response to recent incidents where scaffolding has obstructed swift nest sites, RSPB volunteer Kerry Dawson is issuing a heartfelt plea to scaffolding companies across the UK. This summer, two alarming cases have...

Latest Topics

Game changing UK-First in Scaffolding Innovation under the Forth Road Bridge 

Layher pioneers its advanced cantilever technique with Hardrock Scaffolding...

Scaffolders take on 50-mile run to help colleague’s baby daughter

Two scaffolders from Northamptonshire are preparing to run an...

SMART Scaffolder to unveil new mobile app at ScaffEx25

SMART Scaffolder will launch its latest mobile app, SMART...

Scaffolding design platform ScaffPlan to feature at Trimble event

ScaffPlan, the scaffolding design and management platform, is set...
- Advertisement -