Two Preston men have pleaded guilty to operating an illegal waste site, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency has secured guilty pleas from two men in Preston for operating an illegal waste site, following a lengthy investigation into unauthorised waste disposal activities.
At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on 29 January, Jamil Hanif, 49, of Garstang Road, Preston, admitted to running a regulated waste facility without the necessary environmental permit between 1 November 2021 and 6 December 2023. Richard Allen, 39, of Pope Lane, Preston, also pleaded guilty to illegally depositing controlled waste at the same site between 1 August 2022 and 31 January 2023, in violation of environmental laws.
Both men were sentenced to 12-month Community Orders, requiring them to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Hanif was also ordered to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge, while Allen was ordered to pay a £300 contribution to prosecution costs and the same government surcharge.
“Illegal waste operations pose significant risks to the environment and legitimate businesses. We will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.” – Environment Agency spokesperson
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Waste Crime
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency emphasised the importance of upholding environmental regulations, stating: “This case highlights our commitment to tackling environmental crime. Illegal waste operations pose significant risks to the environment and legitimate businesses. We are pleased that the defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.”
The case revolves around a site owned by Preston City Council, which was initially leased to Finney Skeffington Ltd (FSL), a company directed by Hanif. Despite the company’s official dormant status, Hanif used the premises for waste storage and sorting activities linked to his wife’s property rental business. Allen, acting under Hanif’s direction, was responsible for tipping waste at the site.
Concerns about illegal waste accumulation first emerged in November 2021 when a surveyor appointed by Preston City Council discovered significant waste deposits, including household and commercial waste, construction debris, and car parts. In response, the council terminated FSL’s lease; however, Hanif continued to use the site under a temporary agreement.
Further reports from local residents, supported by photographic and video evidence, revealed regular deliveries and illegal dumping of waste at the location, with Allen visibly involved in the process. Environment Agency investigations ultimately led to their prosecution, underscoring the agency’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on environmental crimes and uphold waste management regulations.
