Record fine for County Antrim man convicted of waste offences

Hugh Corey of Dundrod, Co Antrim, was sentenced at Laganside Magistrates’ Court today for breaches of waste legislation.

Environment and Heritage Service officers first investigated a site owned by Mr Corey at Tullyrusk Road, Dundrod on 27 November 2004. At follow-up visits, it was estimated that 12,000 tonnes of mixed wastes had been buried on the site, and that further waste was being burned on site. In addition there was evidence of water pollution.

Mr Corey pleaded guilty to 25 charges under Waste & Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 in November 2006. Sentencing was deferred to allow Mr Corey the opportunity to initiate a clean-up of the site. Further waste material was subsequently brought onto the site.

Mr Corey was sentenced to fines totalling £160,000 and was given a four month prison sentence suspended over three years.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The controlled waste found at Tullyrusk Road, Dundrod consisted of a mixture of biodegradable & inert wastes. Mr Corey was convicted on 5 charges of article 4(1)(a) of The Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 relating to the deposit of controlled waste, or knowingly cause or knowingly permit controlled waste to be deposited in or on any land without there.