The sentencing took place at on 2 April at Shrewsbury Crown Court after an eight-week trial in September and October of 2023.
Presiding over the case, Mr Recorder Nicholls highlighted the extensive environmental damage caused by the operation, categorising it as Category 1 harm due to the unsightly deposits and their adverse impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Sentences
The sentences for individuals involved were as follows: Raymond Bowden, 64, of Liverpool Road, Church Lawton, received a 30-month immediate custody sentence and an eight-year and three-month disqualification from holding directorial positions.
Joe Frizell, 48, of Crewe Road, Shavington, was sentenced to two years immediate custody and disqualified from directorial roles for six years. James Bowden, 44, of Bignall Hill, Bignall End, received a 15-month suspended imprisonment for 18 months, along with 240 hours of unpaid work and a five-year directorial disqualification.
Victoria Webb-Johnson, 47, of Sydney Road, Crewe, received a 10-week suspended imprisonment for 12 months, along with an £8,000 contribution towards prosecution costs and victim surcharge.
Stefan Paraszko, 66, of High Street Silverdale, was handed an 11-month suspended imprisonment for 18 months, with a victim surcharge.
Incident
According to the Environment Agency, the case revolved around the unlawful disposal of waste at Bonnie Braes Farm in Staffordshire, occurring between 1 March 2014 and 30 June 2015.
During this period, an estimated 100,000 tonnes of waste, including excavation debris, mixed refuse, and asbestos, were illegally dumped on the site, resulting in a significant elevation of the land by 6-7 metres.
The Environment Agency highlighted that the proximity of the illegal dumping to a critical gas distribution pipeline supplying Stoke-on-Trent was of major concern as it posed severe risks of rupture, potentially leading to disruptions in gas supply and prolonged closures of the busy A500 road.
Additionally, the Environment Agency said the weight of the waste contributed to the collapse of a culvert (a structure that channels water past an obstacle or to a subterranean waterway), exacerbating flooding issues during heavy rainfall and causing disruptions to nearby roads.
‘Tirelessly’
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are glad to see the outcome of these prosecutions and will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime.
“Illegal waste sites like this, undermine legitimate businesses, undercut their prices and blight the environment.”
Liquidation
Additionally, VWJ Earth Moving was fined £11,000, while Jumbo Waste and Metal Limited and TW Frizell (Haulage & Plant Hire) were fined £1 each due to liquidation status.
The case also involved charges against individuals and entities related to another incident at Elms Farm, Betley, Crewe, resulting in further convictions and fines.
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