Asbestos removalist gets suspended sentence for assault but company fined for illegal stockpiles

A South Australian waste removalist convicted of assaulting two environment protection officers has been given a suspended sentence, but his company has been fined $49,000 for illegally storing more than 17 tonnes of asbestos. Key points: Gavin Piller was convicted of two counts of assault He "lost the plot" when he grabbed an environment officer and punched him His company was fined $49,000 over illegal asbestos stockpiles which "exposed the community" The Environmental, Resources and Development Court heard Gavin Piller snatched a camera and audio recorder from the hands of the officers from SA's Environment Protection Authority. Judge Muscat said the offending demonstrated the company's blatant disregard for its responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act and had "exposed the community and its own employees". EPA chief executive Tony Circelli said Piller's punishment sent a strong message to "anyone attempting to intimidate or assault EPA officers during the course of their duties".