A Bolton resident who had his van taken off him for collecting scrap metal without a licence has appeared in court.
Tibor Sarkozi of Breightmet, appeared before Bolton Magistrates Court on Monday 7 April.
He pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to the Control of Pollution Act 1989.
One being depositing, treating, keeping or disposing controlled waste without a waste management licence. The second being failing to produce authorisation to carry waste when requested to do so by an authorised officer.
In June last year Environmental Enforcement Officers witnessed Mr Sarkozi removing an item from a private skip and putting it in his van.
In August, when an officer tried to engage with him, Mr Sarkozi proceeded to drive away.
In September, Mr Sarkozi was served with a notice requiring him to produce his licence to transport waste, however, no response was received.
In October, a council officer accompanied by Greater Manchester Police, attended Mr Sarkozi’s address to seize his vehicle under section 5 of the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989.
Mr Sarkozi appeared before Bolton Magistrates Court on Monday 7 April.
He received a conditional discharge for two years and was ordered to pay £5935 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
Cllr Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services said:
“Those who deal in scrap metal must have the correct licenses in place.
“This is to ensure accountability and that scrap metal is disposed of correctly to prevent flytipping.
“Those who operate without a licence also take business away from licenced dealers who operate legitimate businesses.
“I hope the hefty costs incurred in this case along with the seizure of the vehicle sends a clear message that this illegal trading will not be tolerated.”