Unlicensed scrap operator prosecuted under environmental legislation

A man who was illegally dismantling vehicles in his back garden has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency.

Michael Ian Tillotson was handed a 250-hour community service punishment order for 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £9,169.06 at York Crown Court on January 28th.

The prosecution explained the Mr Tillotson, 41, of Airy Hill, Filey, had been operating an unlicensed scrap yard and could have caused environmental damage through his activities.

It was also alleged that he had earned £17,000 from carrying out scrapping work. The Environment Agency began investigating Mr Tillotson after several complaints.

Judge Stephen Ashurst pointed out that, while it is not against the law to deal in scrap vehicles, these must be legally dismantled - something which Mr Tillotson had failed to do.

According to the Environment Agency, two million vehicles meet the end of their life in the UK each year.

The organisation explained that substances such as acids and oils are often left untreated by illegal scrap yards and can result in serious environmental pollution, affecting soil and water quality.

Posted by Lauren Steadman