Crime Solicitors

West Lancashire County Council has prosecuted a businessman who fly- tipped items of furniture in the borough.

Daniel Brown, of Valentine Road, Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside pleaded guilty to the offence at Wigan Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £220 and was ordered to pay a £22 victim surcharge and £697.37 in costs – a total penalty of £939.37.

The court heard how items that had been fly-tipped were found on 5 April 2016 – and were traced back to Mr Brown by officers from West Lancashire Borough Council.

Brown subsequently admitted in an interview with council officers to depositing some items in Up Holland.

He also told officers his intention was to return at a later date and set fire to the items, leading to the council taking the matter to court.

Portfolio holder for Health and Community Safety, Councillor Kevin Wright, said:

“The council is continuing to work hard to tackle fly-tipping – and this case sends a strong message to all those thinking of illegally dumping waste in our area.

“Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence, with fines of up to £50,000 possible for individuals found guilty of offences.

“There is no limit to the fines businesses could face if they are prosecuted.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of an environmental offence – including at the start of an investigation by the Environment Agency or local authority, or before charges are brought.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and Duncan Lewis advises companies and individuals or sole traders on environmental offences, including failing to comply with an enforcement notice, waste management offences, waste carrier offences, misuse of permitted land, fly tipping, contaminating a watercourse, noise pollution, air pollution, and fisheries offences.

For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.