Austin Welch defends construction company and director accused of environmental offences

The company was charged with operating a landfill and waste transfer operation  otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit. The offence was alleged to have been committed  as a consequence of the consent, connivance or neglect of the sole director of the company. The case was prosecuted by the Environment Agency.

Following negotiations with the Environment Agency the case against the director was withdrawn. The company pleaded guilty to the offence and the magistrates accepted Mr Welch’s submissions that the offence consisted of low level/no culpability with ‘category 4 harm.’ The company, which had a turnover of nearly £5 million per annum, was fined £1,000.”