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Crime Solicitors
Community Order for fly-tipper caught in the act by CCTV (12 June 2017)
Date: 12/06/2017
Bath & North East Somerset Council has prosecuted a fly-tipper, after catching him in the act on CCTV.
Morgan Lawrence, 47, of Newland Road, Withywood in Bristol appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to offences under environmental protection legislation.
The court heard that, on 16 May 2016, Lawrence was recorded on CCTV dumping waste from his van in East Dundry Road, Bath and North East Somerset.
The waste included numerous car bumper parts, a car tyre, toys and miscellaneous items.
A council investigation revealed that Lawrence was running an unauthorised waste collection and disposal business advertised on social media.
As a result, he was convicted of the unauthorised disposal of waste, commonly known as fly-tipping – and failure to discharge his duty of care to ensure waste was transferred to an authorised person.
Lawrence’s defence stated that, while his conduct appeared “deliberate, lazy and that he had been after a quick buck”, he had not fly-tipped before or since.
The court sentenced Lawrence to a 12-month Community Order, with 140 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay clean up costs of £139, prosecution costs of £450 and a victim surcharge of £85.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Divisional Director for Environmental Services, Martin Shields, said:
“This prosecution sends out a very strong and clear warning message to anyone considering fly-tipping in the area that this activity will not be tolerated.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council has CCTV monitoring at various locations and will not hesitate to bring these offenders to justice.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Environmental Offences
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise companies and individuals at any stage of an environmental offence, including charges relating to polluting watercourses, fisheries offences, fly tipping, waste carrier offences, failing to manage hazardous waste, air pollution, noise pollution, or misuse of permitted land.
There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation by the Environment Agency or local authority and before charges are brought.
For expert legal advice on all environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.