Multiple people involved in a large-scale waste crime operation in Staffordshire have been given prison sentences following a successful prosecution by the Environment Agency.
The sentencing, which led to the conviction of five of the defendants, took place on 2 April 2024 at Shrewsbury Crown Court sitting at Telford Magistrates, following an 8-week trial in September and October 2023.
The prosecution concerned a large-scale illegal dumping of waste at Bonnie Braes Farm in Staffordshire, with offences taking place between 1 March 2014 and 30 June 2015.
At least 100,000 tonnes of waste was brought onto the site during the charge period when there was no legal right to do so. The volume of waste added to the site caused the land to be raised by 6-7 metres in height. The Environment Agency said the activity included a significant amount of waste from excavation, alongside other mixed refuse and some asbestos.
The Environment Agency said there was an additional concern because of the gas distribution pipeline which passes underneath Bonnie Braes Farm, one of two that supplies Stoke-on-Trent. A fracture of the pipeline would have disrupted the supply of gas as well as the potential closure of the A500 for a significant period, the Environment Agency said.
We are glad to see the outcome of these prosecutions and will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime.
The judge found that the offending caused Category 1 harm to the environment due to the eyesore that the deposits caused. The Environment Agency said the weight of the waste on the site caused a culvert to collapse, which led to “significant flooding” to the land after heavy rain.
Commenting on the case, 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.”
Raymond Bowden, 64, was sentenced to 30 months of immediate custody. Joe Frizell, 48, was sentenced to two years of immediate custody. James Bowden, 44, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment that was immediately suspended for 18 months and ordered to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work.
Victoria Webb-Johnson, 47, was sentenced to 10 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered to contribute towards the costs of the prosecution and the victim surcharge. Stefan Paraszko, 66, was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment that was immediately suspended for 18 months.
A Proceeds of Crime Application is outstanding for all individuals sentenced and will be determined at a future date.
