Environment Agency investigation results in suspended prison sentences for directors

Three directors of a waste tyre company have been given suspended prison sentences after pleading guilty to illegally operating two sites in West Yorkshire.

A joint operation by the Environment Agency, Calderdale Council, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue targeting waste sites that might pose a fire risk, found two sites in Calderdale and Bradford.

Shakil Ahmed, 42, of Spinners Close, Halifax, owed the site at Fairlea Mills, Luddendenfoot. He was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 250 hours’ of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

Tyre Waste Team directors Jamie Craggs, 34, of Sedbergh Close, Bradford, and Levi Depass, 35, of West Royd Road, Shipley, were both sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 250 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

Tyre Waste Team was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,500.

Bradford Crown Court heard how the case related to two illegal waste operations involving the storage and treatment of tyres.

Ben Hocking, environment manager at the Environment Agency said:
“The seriousness of this sentence sends out a message that waste crime will not be tolerated.

“This case was the culmination of a joint campaign between the Environment Agency, the local councils and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to target sites where the risk of fire could have resulted in a significant impact on the environment and harm to human health. We’ll continue to work with our partners to crack down on illegal sites like this.”

This case follows another prosecution brought against a company owned by Shakil Ahmed, Fairlea Auto and Salvage Company Limited, which was operating from the Fairlea site.