A Burnley-based man has been sentenced to “immediate imprisonment” for three years for undertaking “various illegal waste activities” at two closely located sites in Colne, Lancashire.
According to a statement from the Environment Agency, John Leslie Allison, 75, of Southfield Lane, appeared in court in Preston on 23 July for undertaking illegal waste activities at the two sites without a permit.
The statement said Mr Allison allowed hazardous, large scale, mixed household and commercial waste materials to be deposited without a permit.
The Agency said Mr Allison’s actions “caused unacceptable risks to the environment, highlighted by a number of significant fires at the site and numerous complaints from the public”.
Mr Allison was also prosecuted in 2018 for waste offences.
‘Depressed’
Speaking of Mr Allison at the hearing, His Honour Judge Parry said: “I am thoroughly depressed to see you before me again. I have no option but to imprison you. You have proven yourself to be completely ignorant of the need to resist the temptation to deposit further waste onto your land. It’s thoroughly depressing.
“When I sentenced you in 2018 this is what I said to you: ‘I really hope this is the last time I see you. Otherwise you will be back before me again, people of your age do go to prison’.
Environmental Concern ltd
Staff at two waste companies were also charged for depositing hazardous waste at Allison’s unpermitted sites.
According to the Agency, hazardous waste was delivered to Mr Allison’s site by Environmental Concern Ltd. The company’s former director, Kenneth Morris, 71 of Hams Road, Birmingham, and driver Matthew Dyer, 42 of Bromsgrove Road, Redditch, Worcestershire were also prosecuted.
Environmental Concern Ltd has been ordered to pay £47,969.50 in compensation to the Environment Agency for clean-up costs and £16,800 in compensation for the costs incurred by removing hazardous waste from the site at Summit Farm, Dalton.
The company was also fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £26,240.66.
Mr Kenneth pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
He is also subject to a monitored curfew for three months between 7pm and 7am and has been fined £10,000 with six months imprisonment as default payment.
Mr Dyer also pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to 240 hours unpaid work and fined £1000 with one month’s imprisonment in default of payment. He was also ordered to pay costs of £2993.79.
Environmental Concern Ltd has been approached for comment.
Eco Enviro Group
Large scale, mixed household and commercial waste materials were also delivered to Mr Allison’s site by the now dissolved company, Eco Enviro Group Ltd.
Former operator Carl Rodgers, 46 of Red Rock Lane, Haigh, Wigan, was prosecuted for his involvement.
‘Strong signal’
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We welcome the result of this prosecution and welcome the three year sentencing handed down by His Honour Judge Parry for the offences committed by prolific offender Mr Allison. This sends out a strong signal to others that we will continue to fight tirelessly to combat illegal waste crime and bring those responsible to justice.
“We also welcome the strong sentencing and fines imposed on Kenneth Morris, Matthew Dyer, Carl Rodgers and Environmental Concern Ltd. This reflects the seriousness of the crime and its impacts on business and communities.
“The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime which can have a devastating impact on the environment and local community.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
