WICKHAM man Joe Keet is more than £5,000 poorer after being convicted of allowing waste to be dumped near his home.

Keet has been fined £3,000 for knowingly permitting the dumping of controlled waste, following a trial at Portsmouth Magistrates Court.

Jasper Smith and Phillip Jenkins, who brought some of the waste to the site also pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on December 18, where Mr Smith was fined £333 and Mr Jenkins, £121 and they shared the £300 costs.

Keet, of Firgrove Lane, North Boarhunt, was fined £3,000 with a £170 victim surcharge and £1,904.75 costs after being found guilty by magistrates to knowingly allowing the deposit of controlled waste without the correct permit in Firgrove Lane.

This included construction and demolition waste, household clearance and commercial waste, waste wood, furniture, grab bags, black sacks of domestic waste, underlay and insulation.

Mike O’Neil, environment manager said: “Joe Keet’s actions showed a blatant disregard for the environment. In cases like this, where the actions of individuals threaten to undermine legitimate businesses, we have no hesitation in prosecuting those involved, we, in fact, previously prosecuted Mr Keet in May 2016.

“To ensure that the right waste gets to the right place, we encourage the public and businesses to check that their waste carrier is registered on Gov.UK and to ask to see a copy of the waste transfer note for the waste.

“If possible take a photo of the note on your phone.”

Keets was prosecuted under Section 33(1)(a) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended).

Smith and Jenkins were prosecuted under section 34(1) and 34(6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.