Fly tipper jailed and has van CRUSHED after running illegal waste removal business

Investigators discovered Martin Hughes of Town Street in Armley, Leeds running the operation without the appropriate licences throughout 2018 and 2019. During this period, he dumped commercial and household waste illegally across the UK’s fourth largest city in Yorkshire. Leeds City Council officers installed CCTV cameras in an area of Pudsea after evidence was found linking Mr Hughes to several fly-tipping incidents.

Footage showed waste being dumped from his van on a further two occasions at the same location.

Additional evidence was also discovered linking Mr Hughes to separate incidents of fly tipping.

The man’s van was seized after his van was spotted by council officers in September 2019.

During a search of the vehicle, they found it to be full of household waste including sofas, wood and garden waste.

He did not come forward to claim the van and, as it had minimal recoverable value, the vehicle was crushed and scrapped.

On February 7, Mr Hughes pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Leeds Crown Court.

He was sentenced to 15-months in prison.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Housing, said the council is sending a very clear message that “we will not tolerate fly tipping in Leeds”.

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“It is pleasing to see the courts using their custodial sentencing power to show that fly tipping is not worth the price.

“We have recently announced the establishment of a new Serious Environment Crime Team.

“This will allow the council to dedicate even more time investigating and tracking down those waste collection companies and individuals who are illegally operating and creating many of the flytips that occur in Leeds.”