A scrap metal dealer operating without a licence has been banned from driving.
Larry Lee of Ewood Caravan Site, Blackburn did not attend Bolton Magistrates and pleaded guilty by letter to offences under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
He was fined £66 and ordered to pay £621 costs and a £34 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving immediately for 28 days.
A further two men have recently been convicted for dealing in scrap metal without a licence.
David Delaney of Derby Street, Salford, was fined £1100 and ordered to pay £403 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.
James Dean Shaw of Kendal Road, Wigan, was fined £2200 in total and ordered to pay £536 costs and a £110 victim surcharge for two separate occasions when he was found to be operating without a licence.
Mr Shaw had previously failed to appear in court on an earlier count of operating without a licence. On that occasion he was found guilty and fined £660 and ordered to pay £700 costs with a £66 victim surcharge.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “There are strict laws and regulations around the collection and disposal of scrap metal.
“This is to prevent against metal theft and fly tipping to protect our environment and the area we live in.
“Scrap metal is not a victimless crime. It can be the catalyst for cable thefts which causes disruption for many people.
“Most scrap metal dealers operate legitimate businesses and those without a licence are taking business away from the legitimate traders.
“The message is clear; if you are operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence expect to find yourself in court where you will be hit with a fine and you could be banned from driving
“I would urge anyone arranging for waste to be removed to ensure that the person taking their rubbish away is licensed to do so.
“Many are unaware that they may be fined themselves if their rubbish is linked to their household and they have paid someone without a licence to dispose of it.”