AN Ellesmere Port fly-tipper has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds and has had his van confiscated.

Eamon Ryan, 27, previously of Wilkinson Street but presently a serving prisoner, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 14 to the fly-tipping offence.

Prosecuting, Will Griffin said it was during a two-week period in October 2022 that a white van was seen at Elm Street Yard in Ellesmere Port on several occasions. On October 7, photographs and a video were taken of the van and the activities of its occupants, before being reported to Cheshire West and Chester’s Regulatory Services team who investigated and brought the prosecution.

Officers attending the site found a large quantity of wooden pallets, pieces of cut-off wood, sofas, general household waste, wood panelling, and cardboard that had been disposed of.

Checks revealed that the defendant was the registered keeper of the van and therefore in control of, or in a position to control, the use of the vehicle.

On October 19, the vehicle was seen on Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port where the defendant was unloading furniture from it. The police attended, arrested the defendant, and seized the vehicle.

In interview, the defendant stated that he had the permission of the landowner to deposit waste in Elm Street Yard, but he was unable to supply any evidence of this or to produce a waste transfer licence.

Defending himself, Ryan told the court said he "fully" owned up to the offence, saying it had been a "convenient" arrangement between him and the landowner, who was somebody he knew.

He said he had been taking out waste on behalf of a range of people, including those who were doing up properties.

The court heard Ryan was serving a prison term for being concerned in the supply of drugs, which had happened following the loss of work when his van was seized. He was due to be released from prison soon, where he intended to get back working again.

Magistrates ordered the van used in the fly-tipping, which had already been seized by police, to be confiscated.

Ryan must pay council costs totalling £2,335, a £750 court fine and a £300 surcharge.

Cllr Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, said following the sentencing: “There is no excuse for fly-tipping. This is another example how reporting possible fly-tipping can result in prosecution.

“Fly-tippers should also be aware that if they are caught fly tipping using a car, van or other vehicle, as in this case, the court can order the forfeiture of the vehicle.

“Please check anyone disposing of waste for you is a licensed waste carrier and always be wary if you are approached by an individual to take your rubbish away.

“If you discover illegally tipped waste or see it being tipped, report it 24 hours a day on the Council's website or 'Report It' app.”

The report it app is available at https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/contact-us/report-it-app . People can check if a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers