A professional rubbish remover has been jailed for repeatedly dumping builders’ waste.
Robbie Frank Johnston, 32, had a licence to collect commercial waste but he illegally disposed of it in picnic areas and bridleways.
The huge mounds of rubble included carpets,baths, mattresses, and garage doors which were left to rot.
But much of the waste was traced back to residents who identified Johnston and even provided photographic evidence of the van he used.
He was tracked via the DVLA in a successful prosecution by North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) and South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC).
On Friday, Johnston, of Royston, Herts., pleaded guilty to 13 counts of flytipping and was jailed for two years at Cambridge Crown Court.
He was also banned from being involved in any business or enterprise which involves collecting, carrying, depositing and or transporting waste by any means for five years.
North Hertfordshire District Council also successfully applied for Johnston to be disqualified from driving for three years.
Andy Godman, NHDC’s Head of Service for Housing and Public Protection, said: “This case clearly illustrates that some individuals will continually try to flout the law when it comes to fly-tipping.
“Their behaviour is a blight on the district and we will use all the powers available to us to eradicate such illegal activities.
“We can all play a part in preventing fly-tipping and we encourage everyone to ensure that their waste is disposed of lawfully.”
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Director of Health and Environmental Services, Mike Hill, said: “This is an excellent example of two neighbouring Councils working together to bring to justice somebody who illegally dumped rubbish in the countryside.
“There’s absolutely no excuse for it, as there are plenty of ways to dispose of waste properly.
“If you see someone in the act, don’t approach them, but try to get as many details about the vehicle and the person you see doing it as possible.
“This gives us more chance of successfully prosecuting them.”
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/must-reads/watch-a-plague-of-rats-the-size-of-small-dogs-have-taken-over-a-neighbourhood/19/04/
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/must-reads/police-reveal-list-of-timewasting-999-calls-including-a-person-who-complained-about-the-red-arrows-waking-up-their-baby/19/04/
