Wiltshire man sentenced for operating illegal waste business
Scrap yard owner receives suspended jail sentence for waste offences
The owner of a Wiltshire scrap yard and metal recycling centre has been handed a 18-month suspended jail sentence for operating a waste business without the necessary environmental permits.
Lee Hazel, owner of Melksham Metal Recycling, appeared in Swindon Crown Court on two occasions while the court heard the prosecution and defence. He was found guilty of waste offences and was sentenced to a suspended 18-months jail term on February 18.
An enforcement officer from Wiltshire Council discovered fly-tipped waste on land in Queenfield Farm, Melksham, and was able to trace it back to the premises of Melksham Metal Recycling, because of the “chalky liquid” trail that had been left between the two areas. Concrete pipes, chalky stone and road surfacing material were found deposited at the Farm.
The Environmental Agency carried out its own investigations and found that Melksham Metal Recycling, situated in Station Yard, had a waste disposal contract with a masonry company and was operating an illegal waste disposal business without obtaining the necessary permits. The Environmental Agency sent multiple compliance notices to Mr Hazel but these all went ignored.
Mr Hazel pleaded guilty to multiple waste offences in Swindon Crown Court and was handed a suspended 18-month sentence. His company was also found guilty of similar offences, and both will appear at a hearing in June, when fines and costs are expected to be handed out.
please follow this link to find out more about Biggreen.co.uk ‘s waste management services.