Stafford Engineering company in court over 20 metre-long rubbish dump
A man from Uttoxeter and a Stafford-based engineering company have denied multiple fly-tipping offences
A man from Uttoxeter and a Stafford-based engineering company have denied multiple fly-tipping offences relating to a major incident in Watery Lane, Lichfield, earlier this year.
Darren Sheen, 40, of Grange Road, Uttoxeter, and Fusion Engineering (Staffordshire) Limited appeared before Stafford Crown Court today (6 August), where they both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case stems from a significant fly-tipping event that took place on January 20. More than 27 tonnes of waste—stretching over 20 metres long and rising two metres high—was illegally dumped on Watery Lane, obstructing access for nearby residents and businesses.
Lichfield District Council responded swiftly, removing the waste by lunchtime the following day at a cost of £10,000. An investigation by the council’s Environmental Health team led to the seizure of a lorry believed to have been involved in the incident on March 21, 2025.
Following the investigation, Sheen and Fusion Engineering were charged and are now set to stand trial in March 2027.
Lichfield District Council confirmed its ongoing commitment to tackling environmental offences and protecting local communities.
The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Doug Pullen, said: “The defendant has appeared at Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to all the charges related to fly-tipping in Watery Lane.
“We are disappointed that due to the backlog in the court system the trial will not be held until 2027 but I have every confidence in our Environmental Health team and we will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping in Lichfield District whenever it takes place.”