Preston man burnt rubbish and drove at officer

A 46-year-old man who deliberately drove his car at an Environment Agency officer after running an illegal waste site has been sentenced.
Waste being burnt at the site off Preston New Road, FreckletonWaste being burnt at the site off Preston New Road, Freckleton
Waste being burnt at the site off Preston New Road, Freckleton

Paul Williams, of Plungington Road in Preston, was given six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He will also have to keep to a six-week curfew and has to be indoors between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

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Williams was accused of threatening behaviour towards an agency officer following and investigation regarding alleged illegal waste activity last year.

Rubbish dumped at the siteRubbish dumped at the site
Rubbish dumped at the site

He was sentenced at Preston Magistrates’ Court on March 9 after pleading guilty to two environmental charges and was convicted of threatening behaviour.

For the charge of threatening behaviour, Williams received 20 weeks’ jail, suspended for six months, and was ordered to go to a drug rehabilitation course.

The EA prosecuted Williams after its officers investigated the site at a small holding in fields off Preston New Road, Freckleton, known locally as Long Lane Farm. Residents had complained about burning rubbish, and a probe found Williams had burnt waste, including suspected asbestos-containing material, on a regular basis.

An EA spokesman said: “These serious offences will not be tolerated and we will take action to pursue and prosecute offenders.”

Williams also has pay a contribution cost of £780 towards costs.