Unlicensed waste carrier fined after van got stuck in field

Michael Patrick Maughan cold called a house near Edinburgh and was paid £70 by the owner to remove a pile of waste on September 27 this year.

The following day he drove his Ford Transit van to a field near Newcastle International Airport.

However, due to heavy rainfall his vehicle got stuck and he called the police for help.

Maughan was arrested and his van was seized by officers.

During his interview with police, he denied being responsible for any of the waste that was found in the field.

Maughan pleaded guilty to transporting waste without being a registered waste carrier.

The 26-year-old was required to have been registered with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the English Environment Agency.

Appearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on November 24, Maughan was fined £400 but this was reduced to £266 after he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

He was ordered to pay an additional £809 in costs and a £106 victim surcharge, totalling £1,181.

Maughan, of Abbots Fold Court, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, also paid the costs for the police to remove the van from the field.

Speaking after the case, Cllr Irim Ali, Cabinet member for a Dynamic City at Newcastle City Council, said: “Crimes like these undermine legitimate businesses and can have a detrimental impact on communities and the environment.

“Everyone has a part to play to make sure that waste is managed responsibly.

“If you do employ someone to remove your waste, please make sure they are registered with the Environment Agency so it doesn’t end up in the hands of rogue operators who break the law.”

To find registered waste carriers, visit https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index.

To report a fly-tipping incident, call the Council on 0191 278 7878 and ask for environmental health or email psr@newcastle.gov.uk.