Suspended sentence for man who ran illegal waste firm
The man - who now lives in Bugle - was sentenced to 18 weeks suspended for two years during his sentencing in Bodmin last week
A man who used to live in Sticker has been handed a suspended prison sentence for running an illegal waste business.
59-year-old Michael Joseph Richards - who now lives at Menorca Lane in Bugle - ran the illegal business with his son at their home on St. Stephen's Road in Sticker.
He has now been handed a suspended sentence by magistrates in Bodmin.
He appeared on Thursday (May 18) for sentencing on two charges relating to the illegal waste business - and was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Michael Richards Junior - his son - was fined for three offences relating to the business too.
Richards Senior was ordered to pay half of the costs - totalling ÂŁ4397.75 - awarded previously.
It was a case brought by teams at the Environment Agency, with both men admitting to the offences relating to running a waste site without having a permit. Further investigations were launched following a fire at the site where building and household waste were being kept.
Around the fire, there was more 'waste debris', with radiators, fridges, and even a caravan.
The blaze was also close to a gas tank and the A390.
Magistrates said waste crime is one of the worst types of offending that comes before them and that Richards failed to supervise what was happening on his land.
Following the hearing, Stephen Clark from the Environment Agency said: “We’re pleased with the outcome of this case. Mr Richards Senior had a previous similar conviction. This sends out a message that waste crime will not be tolerated.”