Two people have been sentenced for operating illegal waste sites in Yorkshire following an Environment Agency investigation
A husband and wife have been sentenced today (25 June 2024) at Bradford Crown Court for operating illegal waste sites in Yorkshire following a successful prosecution by the Environment Agency.
Stuart Bedford, 62, formerly of Harrogate, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for running waste operations in Bradford and Doncaster without the required environmental permit and keeping waste at those sites in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.
Vicky Bedford, 51, of no fixed address, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) for her involvement at the sites. Both operations caused unacceptable disruption to local people and risk to the environment.
In November 2020, a fire spread through one of the sites in Spring Mill Street, Bradford, where over 600,000 tyres had been stored.
The fire caused serious travel disruption and led to the closure of local schools and businesses. Over 14,300 school pupils were impacted by the closures. Nearly 100 firefighters were required to control the blaze at its peak.
In October 2020, prior to the fire, the operators of the Bradford site were served with an enforcement notice to clear the tyres by Environment Agency officers.
Mr and Mrs Bedford were arrested in Spain after international arrest warrants were issued for them and subsequently returned to the UK.
The Judge HHJ Gibson said on sentencing:
Stuart Bedford was sentenced to a of 12-month and 8-month prison sentence, to be served concurrently. Total 12 months imprisonment.
Vicky Bedford was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 15 days RAR.
Make sure your business is legal and check you have the right permit for your activities: Waste and recycling