A scrap metal dealer who dumped shredded tyres and burned waste in a village field has been ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
Luke Holmes left around 60 mounds of shredded tyres in a field in Chapel Lane, Hackleton, along with other items including oil drums, white goods, whole tyres, cans, bottles and pallets.
Holmes burnt some of the waste, but denied burning any of the tyres.
Holmes, aged 23, of The Ridings, Brixworth, admitted two charges of depositing waste without a permit, offences which took place over three days in December 2011.
Northampton Magistrates Court heard today that another man, Richard Greaves – the “main culprit” in the case - was jointly charged with the offences, but officers were unable to find him, and the charges were dropped.
Sarah Nicholson, prosecuting, said: “On December 8, Environment Agency officers attended Chapel Lane, and saw 20 heaps of shredded tyres. In another area there was evidence of a recent fire.
“On December 9 there were fresh deposits of waste, with 60 separate mounds covering an area of 30 metres by 30 metres.
“Officers returned on January 20 and found remains of another recent bonfire.
“A significant amount of waste had been stored and brought onto the site, and burning had taken place which would never have been permitted.
“The actions were deliberate, but the offence may not have been deliberate.”
Rebecca Dart, mitigating, said: “If Mr Holmes he was doing anything wrong, he would not have done it.
“He was shocked to hear there were any issues with tyre burning, as that is not something he is involved in at all.
“He believed he was taking the tyres for a purpose. He will not come back before the court in any way, shape or form in the future.”
Samantha Clayton, from the Environment Agency, said: “Holmes holds a waste carrier’s licence and should have been aware of the need for the land to be permitted.
“This uncontrolled handling and burning of waste had the potential to harm human health and pollute the environment.
“Significant amounts of waste were brought onto the site which is in a flood zone, and there was evidence of burning on site, which would never be permitted.”
As well as the unpaid work order, Holmes was also ordered to pay £250 costs.