A rogue businessman has been wrongfully convicted Asbestos Test reports to trick homeowners into paying for expensive and unnecessary removal work.
The case came to light after trading standards officials learned that the results of accredited laboratory tests had been altered before being shown to consumers.
The investigation has raised concerns about how easily asbestos reports can be manipulated before they reach homeowners, leaving thousands of pounds out of their pockets.
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What was found in the investigation?
The case involved Andrew Curtis York, who traded as ACFL Asbestos Ltd and carried out asbestos testing and removal for domestic customers.
The investigation was led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s trading standards team after concerns were raised about discrepancies in asbestos reports given to landlords.
Officers found asbestos was not present in samples sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory, but paperwork given to customers was altered to show otherwise. This meant that homeowners were told their properties were dangerous and required immediate removal when they were not.
Council investigators said York used these altered reports to justify charging for unnecessary work, including one case in which a customer was billed an extra £9,500 for removal that was not needed because no asbestos was found.
What the court heard and exposed the fraud
Teesside Crown Court heard that between December 2023 and February 2024, York misled three customers into paying a total of £14,235. Asbestos removal Which was not necessary. The court found that he manipulated official lab results to support false claims.
According to Stockton Council, York altered test certificates from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certified lab “to suggest to its customers that asbestos was present when reports said there was none.”
The council said the victims also faced additional costs for building work such as boarding and plastering, which would not have been necessary if proper results had been provided.
York pleaded guilty to four fraud charges and received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to return the money taken from the clients along with court costs.
Punishment, council warning and wider concerns
Speaking after the sentencing, Stockton councilor Norma Stephenson described the conduct as “beyond belief” that the businessman had knowingly altered legitimate test results to “line his own pockets”.
She added that trading standards officials acted quickly to identify victims and prevent further damage, saying the investigation ensured York was “brought to account.”
The council also issued a broad warning to homeowners, urging people to avoid getting multiple quotes and paying large sums up front for home improvement or removal work.
Officials said the case highlights how important it is for asbestos testing to be independently and properly verified, as false reports can lead to unnecessary fear, disruption and financial loss.
