Reckless Bideford Fly Tipper Found Guilty and Fined in Magistrates Court

Torridge District Council environmental health and legal officers have seen another case of fly tipping through to a successful prosecution at Barnstaple Magistrates Court. The case involved a cut down caravan, which had been converted into a makeshift trailer and was left abandoned with its many contents in the lay-by close to little America on the A386 Bideford to Torrington Road.

The caravan trailer was first reported to environmental protection officers at the council in July 2022. An initial investigation was helped by several members of the public who came forward and were able to identify the owner as Edward Gray of Bideford, as the vehicle had been stored outside of Mr Gray's home for almost 3 years.

Mr Gray was twice invited to an interview under caution but failed to attend on either occasion. As a result, a legal case was prepared and magistrates court date for a plea hearing arranged for March of this year. At the hearing Mr Gray pleaded not guilty to one count of fly tipping and not guilty to one count of failing to comply with a duty of care for household waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Having secured legal advice following the original plea hearing Mr Gray subsequently changed his plea to guilty at a hearing on 6^th June.

Magistrates heard that Mr Gray had arranged for a house swap in the summer of 2022, and as part of that arrangement, Mr Gray was required to remove waste from the property and the garden. The cut down caravan contained amongst other items 19 tyres and three large van wheels and other vehicle parts and waste. The haul also included household furniture, internal doors, clothing and general domestic household black bin waste.

Through the guilty pleas and comprehensive witness statements the court concluded that a deliberate act of fly tipping had occurred and that Mr Gray did not have an Environment Agency permit to carry or dispose of waste. After taking into account mitigating circumstances Mr Gray was instructed to pay a total of £984 in fines and to cover the council's disposal costs.  

Councillor Ken James - Leader of Torridge District Council said:

"Despite the initial unwillingness of the defendant to cooperate and take responsibility for their actions our officers showed great determination to bring this case to another successful conclusion. It is sadly another shameful example of someone having a total disregard for the environment, which we will always pursue, and which we are working hard to eradicate. I would like to thank the witnesses for having the courage to come forward and help with the successful outcome for this case."

Members of the public can report cases of unlicensed activity or fly-tipping by calling the Council on 01237 428700 or via email environmental.protection@torridge.gov.uk