Crime Solicitors

Darlington Borough Council has prosecuted a local man for fly tipping, after loose syringes, used surgical swabs and steroid packaging was found on a bridle path.

Darlington Borough Council was alerted to a large quantity of waste that had been spotted by a member of the public on the bridleway running from Coniscliffe Road and across Manners Farm to Staindrop Road.

On 28 September 2015, a council officer visited the scene and took photographs of the waste, which included documents with Philip Gary Popplewell’s address on them – as well as a computer chair, printer, microwave, a full needle box, loose syringes, steroid packaging and bloody swabs.

Checks carried out confirmed that Mr Popplewell lived at the address on the documents – and a letter was hand delivered requesting an interview, as there was no answer at the door.

Mr Popplewell was interviewed on 14 October 2015 and advised that he would be charged with the offence of fly tipping.

The court heard that the council arranged for the removal and disposal of the waste at a cost of £58.60.

On Monday 11 January at Darlington Magistrates’ Court, Philip Gary Popplewell, 26, of Elvert Place, Cockerton in Darlington, pleaded guilty to fly tipping and was fined £627. He was also ordered to pay £287.20 in costs and a victim surcharge of £62.

After the hearing, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Nick Wallis, said:

“Our message is clear, depositing waste in this manner – and particularly dangerous waste, such as used needles and syringes – is not acceptable and we will take enforcement action.

“The annual cost of street cleaning and clearing up after fly tippers costs Darlington taxpayers approximately £1.5 million a year.

“The vast majority of people living in Darlington are responsible and care about the borough – these cases show that we will catch and punish those who persist in this anti-social behaviour.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving public protection offences such as fly tipping, contaminating watercourses, use of permitted land, management of hazardous materials such as asbestos and fisheries offences.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews with investigating authorities such as the Environment Agency and local authorities.

For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.