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St Austell Man Fined for Fly-Tipping at Bugle
A St Austell resident has been fined a total of £2,409 following two incidents of fly-tipping in the area. Michael Richards, aged 35 and from Scredda, appeared at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 6, for sentencing after pleading guilty to allowing controlled waste to be unlawfully deposited from a vehicle under his control, an offence contrary to Section 33(5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The court heard that Richards was implicated in two separate fly-tipping incidents that occurred on Minorca Lane in Bugle, located near St Austell. The Cornwall Council community protection team, responding to ongoing issues of fly-tipping in the area, deployed covert surveillance cameras to monitor the situation. These cameras recorded Richards’ van being used to illegally dispose of tyres and roofing tiles.
During the proceedings, Richards claimed he had allowed another individual, referred to only as “Pedro,” to rent his vehicle at the times of the offences. However, the community protection team was unable to trace this individual.
As a result of his actions, Richards was fined £649, ordered to pay a £260 victim surcharge, and instructed to cover £1,500 in court costs. It is noted that Richards has a previous conviction for a similar offence.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, responsible for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, commented on the seriousness of fly-tipping, stating it harms the environment and imposes a financial burden on taxpayers and landowners. She affirmed the council’s commitment to tackling such environmental crimes through investigative techniques, including surveillance, to hold offenders accountable.
Cornwall Council has reminded residents and businesses that when paying for waste removal, it is essential to ensure that the service is provided by a registered waste carrier. This information can be verified on the Environment Agency website. Residents witnessing any fly-tipping incidents are encouraged to report them via the Cornwall Council website.
