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Agency secures £368,000 from ‘prolific waste crime offender’

The Environment Agency announced on Friday (6 January) that a man who was jailed in 2021 for undertaking “various illegal waste activities” has been ordered to pay back £368,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

According to a statement from the regulator, John Leslie Allison, 75, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday after the Agency pursued confiscation proceedings.

Mr Allison was jailed for three years for his role in a “large scale” illegal operation from two sites in  Colne, Lancashire (see letsrecycle.com story). The court heard that Mr Allison benefitted to the tune of £840,814 from his illegal waste activities, the Agency said.

He was ordered to pay £368,682.50, “fixed by the total value of assets available to Mr Allison”, the statement added.

This makes up just 43.8% of the total amount Mr Alison was said to have benefited.

This sends out a strong signal to others

  • Environment Agency

‘Justice’

Speaking after the verdict, an Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We welcome the result of this proceeds of crime following the offences committed by prolific offender Mr Allison.  This sends out a strong signal to others that we will continue to fight tirelessly to combat illegal waste crime and bring those responsible to justice.

“The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime which can have a devastating impact on the environment and local community.

“I would urge everyone to check that a waste carrier, broker or dealer is registered before using them by checking the waste carriers register online at Gov.UK.”

Incident

The Agency statement when convicting Mr Alison said he allowed hazardous, large scale, mixed household and commercial waste materials to be deposited without a permit.

The Agency said Mr Allison’s actions “caused unacceptable risks to the environment, highlighted by a number of significant fires at the site and numerous complaints from the public”.

Mr Allison was also prosecuted in 2018 for waste offences.

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