Skip haulier running illegal operation
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Operator: The Cheap Skip Company Matter: Environmental law Hearing: Worcester Crown Court
A LEOMINSTER skip haulier has been handed a suspended sentence for running an illegal waste operation.
In a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, Worcester Crown Court was told how in April 2010, officers launched an investigation into Martin Pugh and his business — The Cheap Skip Company — which had an 0-licence for one truck.
During the investigation, officers witnessed various waste types including fridges, gas bottles and construction materials being deposited and on one occasion these materials were being burned in a fire with 50ft flames.
In March 2011, Pugh was invited to attend an interview under caution, however, after failing to attend on two occasions, Pugh was arrested. While acknowledging Pugh's guilty plea, the judge sentenced him to: • a four-month custodial sentence suspended for two years; • a community order for 250 hours of unpaid work for 12 months; • a confiscation order of £17,500 to be paid within six months. Failure to pay will lead to a 10-month custodial sentence;
• full award of the prosecution costs of £11,922.
The charges were brought under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010. Summing up
Pugh carried out these activities risking damage to the environment and undercutting legitimate businesses.