The Environment Agency has prosecuted a Wigan business owner for waste crime.
On 14 April 2011 a Wigan business owner narrowly escaped jail after Liverpool Crown Court handed down a 26 week prison sentence suspended sentence for two years for illegally depositing and burning of waste.
After a joint investigation with Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council the Environment Agency successfully prosecuted Nigel Isherwood and his company, Isherwood Skip and Container Hire Ltd, Ince Moss, near Wigan at a trial which concluded on 6 January 2011.
The company were found guilty of depositing large quantities of soil and demolition waste, totalling 2503m3, which was outside of their permitted area. This illegal deposit was on land owned by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council. In addition, on two occasions, the company at the direction of Nigel Isherwood, illegally burnt large volumes of waste on site in order to dispose of it at zero cost to himself. The business saved over £18,000 in disposal costs as a result of this illegal activity.
In addition to the suspended sentence the company was fined £20,000 plus £18,000 in costs (costs to be split equally between Mr Isherwood and the company). The judge also ordered the company to remove the illegally deposited waste by 14 July 2011.
Nigel Isherwood also received a community order to reside at his home address for two years. If he wishes to move he must inform his probation officer.
Paul Shelton, investigating officer from the Environment Agency, said: “Sentencing like this gives a clear message that waste crime doesn’t pay. This was a deliberate attempt to avoid disposal costs, creating an unfair competitive advantage over legitimate local businesses.
“By working in partnership with Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, we can use our resources better to bring criminals to justice and help protect legitimate businesses and the environment.”
“Prosecution is a last resort. The Environment Agency is here to work with and advise businesses so they remain within the boundaries of the legislation that is there to protect human health and the environment.”
Welcoming yesterday’s verdict, Wigan Council’s Head of Safer, Cleaner, Greener Neighbourhoods, Sally Wolstencroft said: “We are pleased that the court has recognised that what took place at the Cemetery Road site was irresponsible and completely unacceptable. The actions of this company inflicted a blight on the local community who were justifiably angry about the eyesore that had been created right on their doorsteps.
“Both the council and the Environment Agency listened to the concerns of residents and took the right action. This was about making money at the expense of the local community and the environment and we believe yesterday’s verdict sends a clear message that environmental crime of this type simply won’t be tolerated and people cannot use our borough as an illegal dumping ground for their waste.”
Source: Environment Agency
