AN unlicensed waste carrier who was convicted of fly-tipping has been handed a suspended prison sentence – prompting Barnsley Council to issue a further warning to others responsible for blighting the borough.

Liam Watkinson, of Stoneleigh Croft, Worsbrough Common, received a 20-week prison term, which was suspended for 18 months, and fined £1,500 having pleaded guilty to two offences of fly-tipping at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £100 in compensation, while two vehicles involved in the case were seized and subsequently crushed.

Watkinson, who had been advertising waste clearance services on Facebook despite not carrying a licence, was identified following an investigation carried out by the council’s enforcement team.

Officers found evidence of him touting for trade before he was caught on CCTV dumping waste obtained from unsuspecting customers.

Wendy Lowder, executive director for communities, said: “In 2019 we remain committed to protecting our beautiful borough and stamping out fly-tipping by making sure we continue to remove vehicles like this when involved in environmental crime.

“If you choose to carry rubbish illegally and spoil the environment, then you risk losing your vehicle permanently.”

Source – 
https://www.wearebarnsley.com/news/article/11063/crushing-blow-for-tippers