Serial fly-tipper from Yate given jail sentence
Tom Pleass was sentenced to 54 weeks in prison and disqualified from driving
Last updated 9th Jul 2025
A man from Yate has been handed a jail sentence after admitting to a string of waste offence charges and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
31-year-old Tom Pleass was sentenced to 54 weeks in prison and disqualified from driving at Bristol Crown Court.
The court heard that on 30th October 2023, Pleass was convicted of multiple fly-tips and other environmental offences.
On that occasion he was given a 36 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and a CBO.
Despite this, Pleass continued to engage in illegal waste activities.
Between his October court date and 14 November, South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental enforcement officers visited Pleass’ home area and observed his lorry parked a short distance from his address on four separate occasions, with different waste loaded upon it.
In November 2023, Pleass was stopped by the police whilst driving his vehicle loaded with waste at Arnos Vale in Bristol.
Pleass initially gave his details as ‘Jake Ellis’ with a fake date of birth, however following further checks and questioning he eventually provided his correct details.
Despite a run in with police, Pleass continued to take metal to CMR Ltd (a scrap metal dealership) a total of 12 times between 14 November 2023 and 22 January 2024.
It was also discovered that Pleass was paid to remove waste from a Bristol address in April that was later found fly-tipped in Little Sodbury in South Gloucestershire.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member responsible for environmental enforcement at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This is a great result for the council against one of our area’s most prolific offenders.
"We will not tolerate illegal waste activity in South Gloucestershire and we want to send the clear message that anyone found flouting the law will be brought before the courts.
“Pleass is a serial fly-tipper and estimates of his offending, not disputed by him, indicate that during the pandemic period alone he committed some 200 offences.
"Whilst others were following the restrictions at that time he was intent on committing offences and profiting from the situation.
“Our advice to residents is to be wary of businesses or people advertising waste clearances on social media sites such as Facebook.
"There are a number of legitimate options for waste removal, including the council’s large household waste collection service."