Crime Solicitors

A company whose operations spilled out onto land illegally has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency.

V J Commercials Ltd – a legally permitted vehicle breakers yard – over-spilled onto unpermitted land at a disused Norfolk airfield. V J Commercials operates out of a unit at Shipdham Airfield near Dereham, which is permitted by the Environment Agency.

The prosecution told Norwich Crown Court that, when the company ran out of space at its permitted site, it began to store waste on the runway of the airfield, regardless of the fact there was no permit in place authorising this.

The court was told that the company had avoided the cost of operating legitimately “in order to maximize profits”. The company used three sites at the airfield, but was permitted for only one.

The court heard that Ohanis John Manoukian – known as John Manoukian –
was a director of the company and was the site’s Technically Competent Manager.

However, when Environment Agency officers visited the airfield, they saw scrap vehicles on the runway, numerous oil spills on the ground and vehicles leaking oil.

Another unit at the airfield was also being used to illegally store waste prior to its disposal – and despite numerous visits, advice and letters to stop activities, the business continued illegally.

The court also heard that V J Commercials had already been given advice and guidance in 2006 and 2011 about storing waste vehicles on land without an environmental permit.

John Manoukian told Environment Agency investigators that, had he cleared the runway site, he would not have been able to continue with the business.

The prosecution told the court:

“The company were aware that they were operating illegally – and continued to do so for at least 12 months, despite advice and guidance from the Environment Agency.”

At Norwich Crown Court, V J Commercials Ltd was fined £24,000 for each of two offences and was ordered to pay £13,000 towards costs.

Ohanis John Manoukian was given a 12-month community order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work for each of two offences, the sentences to run concurrently.

Manoukian was also fined £12,000 for each offence – and was ordered to pay £4,000 in costs.

After the hearing, Environment Officer Jack Colman said:

“The Environment Agency is committed to supporting legitimate waste businesses, by taking enforcement action against those who operate illegally.

“We tried to help the company comply with the law, but our advice was ignored.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers – Environmental Crimes

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise companies and individuals or sole traders on prosecution by the Environment Agency or other agencies for charges involving use of unpermitted land, pollution, dumping waste, or other company breaches of the law.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can advise at the start of an investigation before charges are brought – or at an interview with a prosecuting authority.

For expert legal advice on prosecution by the Environment Agency or other agencies, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.