Stacy Brewer, of Little Vigo, Yateley was convicted last week of dumping a white Escort van on land on Yateley Common, Hampshire after the incident was filmed by Granada Television in May 2001 and broadcast in July 2001.
Mr Brewer abandoned the van outside Simsmetal's metal processing plant on Vigo Lane, Yateley. The television footage, taken for Granada’s Rat Trap programme, showed a blue Toyota pick-up towing the van up to the plant’s entrance. The pick-up was filmed leaving the plant without the van and Agency officers later traced the van to Mr Brewer.
Mr Brewer was found guilty at Aldershot Magistrates’ Court of depositing controlled waste without a licence. He was fined 250 and ordered to pay 420 in court costs. Mr Brewer would have been paid approximately 2 if he had given the vehicle to Simsmetal, instead of leaving it outside the plant.
Martin Sawyer, Agency enforcement officer said: “This prosecution was brought about as a result of co-operation between Hampshire County Council, who own the land where the van was abandoned, the Environment Agency and Granada Television.
“The dumping of scrap cars outside Simsmetal had been causing considerable disruption to their business. Hopefully the result of this case will deter others who may be tempted to dispose of their old vehicles in this way.”
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