An illegal scrap metal trader has been ordered to pay almost £3,000 after being caught loading metal into his van.
Derek Jackson, 39, of Eastern Terrace, Wallsend , has been found guilty of four waste offences carried out in Newcastle earlier this year.
On 25 January, Jackson, alongside another man, was seen by Newcastle City Council enforcement officers loading metal light fittings into a black and red Ford Transit van in a car park off William Armstrong Drive.
On closer inspection by the officers, more miscellaneous scrap metal was found in the van.
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Although initially claiming he was a licenced waste carrier in the city, he later admitted in interview he was not authorised to transport waste.
Jackson, who did not attend his hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Friday, was found guilty of illegally operating as a scrap metal dealer, illegally transporting controlled waste, failing to take required records when dealing in scrap waste and failing to provide information to an authorised officer.
In his absence, Jackson was fined £660 for each charge.
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He was also ordered to pay £147 costs, £85 legal costs and £66 victim surcharge. In total, he will have to pay £2,938.
Councillor Nick Kemp, Newcastle City Council's cabinet member for environment, said: “This is another strong result which demonstrates those operating outside the law will continue to be punished through the courts.
“Legitimate waste carriers require permits to operate in a controlled manner which ensures the safe collection, transit and disposal of potentially-harmful materials.
“Those who illegally carry waste operate without regulation and pose a threat to the safety of the public.
“I would like the thank the diligent work of our officers in bringing another rogue operator to justice and remind people to ensure people they employ to transport their waste have all the approval required.”
More information about the requirements around waste disposal can be found at newcastle.gov.uk/services/environment-recycling-and-waste .
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