"This fine should send out a clear message that SEPA will not tolerate threatening behaviour and violence towards its staff. Sadly these incidents are not rare. Staff should be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisal. We will continue to take a firm stand in dealing with anybody who acts in such a disgraceful manner"
Colin Bayes, Director of Environmental Protection and Improvement, SEPA
Kirkaldy, Scotland: Employees in public services who work at the sharp end, interfacing with members of the public, sadly nowadays are often subject to verbal or physical abuse.
This also applies to members of our environmental agencies who undertake a difficult job in protecting the natural environment and human health from polluting activities.
Officers from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) often face abuse and violence as they go about the important task of protecting Scotland’s environment.
An example arose recently where severe violence was threatened against ‘any man woman or child working for SEPA’.
In the latest case to come to Kirkaldy Sheriff Court last week, 54-year-old scrapyard owner William Gray was fined £500 after he placed two officers in a state of fear and alarm at his premises on Randolph Industrial Estate in Kirkcaldy.
The businessman was found guilty of breach of the peace at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on 8 October after the court heard he told SEPA officers if they visited him again he would ‘lamp or scone them.’
Colin Bayes, Director of Environmental Protection and Improvement said this kind of behaviour would not be condoned:
"This fine should send out a clear message that SEPA will not tolerate threatening behaviour and violence towards its staff. “
“Sadly these incidents are not rare. Staff should be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisal. We will continue to take a firm stand in dealing with anybody who acts in such a disgraceful manner.”