A Northampton man forged documents in a bid to avoid a fine for illegally handling scrap metal, a court has heard.
Kevin Botterill’s van was stopped at Crick weighbridge on October 11 last year, and contained a large amount of metal waste for which he did not have the right documentation.
Botterill, aged 31, of Derwent Drive, Kings Heath, then attempted to escape being fined for illegally carrying the metal, by producing fake waste transfer documents.
Daventry District Council’s environmental crime officer became suspicious when he realised the address where the scrap metal was collected from was incorrect, and the scrap dealer had no record of receiving it.
Botterill pleaded guilty to two offences at Northampton Magistrates Court on June 17. He was fined £250, ordered to pay costs of £1,000, and carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
Councillor Daniel Cribbin, Daventry District Council’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “Working with Northamptonshire Police we have targeted resources to countering metal theft and illegal handling of scrap metal.
“We are pleased with the judgement, particularly the recovery of the council’s costs, and note the seriousness with which the fraud offence was dealt with.
“I hope such penalties act as a deterrent to those who choose to operate outside the law. Waste disposal is controlled for the protection of the public.”