A MAN has been prosecuted after dumping rubbish on a road in Burntwood.
Lee Mills, of Railswood Drive in Pelsall, appeared before Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 7th January 2025 having pleaded guilty to a series of waste and scrap metal offences.
The court heard that in June 2024 drivers told Lichfield District Council that Nether Lane in Burntwood had been blocked. Environmental health officers were sent to investigate and found that the dumped material included asbestos.
The officers traced items to four addresses, with enquiries revealing that Mills had been paid to dispose of waste from each of them. He had falsely claimed to be a registered waste carrier and a licensed scrap metal dealer.
The officers then swooped on Mills’ home and seized the vehicle he used to commit the offences. It was loaded with more waste and scrap metal at the time.
The 51-year-old was sentenced to a 12 month community order, requiring 200 hours of unpaid work, along with a fine of £114 and costs of £1,500. The magistrates ordered that he forfeit the vehicle too.
Cllr Alex Farrell said:
“We’re delighted with the outcome of this prosecution and hope that this sends a warning to anyone thinking of coming into our beautiful district to fly-tip waste.
“The penalties are severe – imprisonment, community service, fines, driving disqualification, forfeiture of the vehicle and a criminal record.
“Our environmental health officers will come after you, wherever you live.”
