Construction Worker Attacked Safety Inspector Who 'Red-Carded' Him

Red Card: Joseph Fitzgerald

A construction worker 'red-carded' by a Health and Safety inspector at a landmark Mayfair construction site lashed-out with his fists at the decision, aiming a kick at the supervisor for good measure.

Joseph Fitzgerald, 50, of Northumberland Park, Tottenham shouted: “Nobody says 'Oi' to me,” before turning his anger on the inspector.

The supervisor ruled he was not wearing appropriate safety equipment at the Berkeley Square site of a new Blackstone Group building.

He denied, but was convicted at Hammersmith Magistrates Court, of assaulting Gordon Ogilvie on August 12, last year and was ordered to pay a £150 fine, with £620 costs, plus a £20 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Miss Arlene De Silva told the court yesterday it was 10.30am when the inspector visited the site and was unhappy Fitzgerald was not wearing the correct gloves and found other safety issues regarding the defendant being properly equipped.

He issued a 'yellow card' warning, but after Fitzgerald “became aggressive” he followed-up with a red, which meant the defendant had to immediately leave the site.

“Fitzgerald swung a fist and Mr. Ogilvie was backed into a corner and punched, which caused a small cut where his glasses were knocked off and he received a kick to the thigh and was held in a bear hug,” explained Miss De Silva.

Mr. Ogilvie tried to take cover in the basement, where Fitzgerald followed him, throwing items.

The police were called, but the defendant did not wait around and was arrested later, denying the assault when questioned by officers.