Peter Higgins, 73, the owner of PJH Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiles Ltd, based at Yew Lodge, Hallgate, Gedney Dyke, stored waste on ground beside the company showroom without a permit for over 2 years. Higgins was also responsible for lighting fires that released polluting chemicals into the atmosphere and caused a nuisance.
Lincoln Magistrates’ Court heard how on one occasion, in response to reports of thick black smoke at the site, an Environment Agency officer visited the site and discovered the remains of items unsuitable for burning, including a chest freezer. Photographs taken during the visit showed waste including plastic, cardboard, polystyrene, textiles, mattress springs, toilets and glass strewn across the site.
The court heard how Higgins was given advice and warnings for over 2 years but continued his illegal activities despite efforts by the Environment Agency to help Higgins operate compliantly. Higgins was given an 18-week suspended prison sentence for storing and burning waste illegally. He was also ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling nearly £7,000.