Legal News
Suspended sentence for Kidderminster man guilty of running illegal hazardous waste site (3 May 2016)
Date: 03/05/2016
Michael Wright – trading under the name Port Oils – produced Hazardous Waste Consignment Notices (HWCNs) containing false information to customers from whom he collected waste oils. He then transported the oils to the site pending re-sale.
When Environment Agency officers visited the site, they found more than 3,000 litres of waste oil being illegally stored in plastic and metal containers.
There were no measures in place to prevent the oil from reaching open water drains nearby, in the event of a leak.
At Worcester Crown Court, Wright pleaded guilty to five charges relating to the unlawful operation of a waste site at Smethwick Drop Forge in Kidderminster.
He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment suspended for 24 months –
and was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Speaking after the case, the Environment Agency officer in charge of the investigation said:
“Waste crime is a serious offence with tough penalties, as it can damage the environment, blight local communities and undermine those who operate legally.
“This case sends out a clear message that we will not hesitate to take action to ensure the protection of water supplies and the environment.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise companies and individuals at any stage of a charge involving environmental offences, including charges relating to contamination of watercourses, air pollution, failing to manage hazardous materials or waste, fly tipping, or misuse of permitted land.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a member of the Duncan Lewis team can attend interview under caution or site inspections with prosecuting authorities such as the Environment Agency or local council.
For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.