Essex waste firm boss given suspended jail term after Harpenden school fly-tip
Hazardous materials were dumped in protest over a payment dispute
The director of an Essex waste disposal company has received a suspended jail sentence and been ordered to pay over £3,400 after dumping hazardous waste on the grounds of a Harpenden school.
James Blewitt, 35, admitted fly-tipping rubbish that included razor blades, sanitary products and faeces. The incident occurred on the grounds of St George’s School, where Musicale, a teaching centre for young musicians, is based.
According to evidence heard at St Albans Magistrates Court, Blewitt took rubbish to the site in the firm’s van during the night because of a payment dispute with an independent broker. He admitted the criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Tracing the fly-tip
St Albans City and District Council’s environmental enforcement officers were called to investigate after Musicale reported the hazardous dump.
The team used CCTV footage to trace the fly-tip back to Blewitt and his Basildon-based company, Atlas Waste.
An investigation found the material dumped was different from the waste originally collected from Musicale by the firm. Blewitt conceded Musicale was unaware of the payment dispute, which stemmed from issues with the independent broker.
Penalty and court comments
Magistrates sentenced Blewitt to a 16-week jail term, suspended for a year, and ordered him to pay £3,417.34. The payment includes compensation to Musicale, a contribution towards the Council’s costs, and a victim surcharge. Blewitt has agreed to pay £100 every month.
Following the hearing, Councillor Edgar Hill, Lead for Recycling and Waste, described the case as one of the "most outrageous fly-tips" dealt with by the Council’s enforcement team. He said the decision to prosecute rather than issue a fine clearly had the court’s backing and highlighted the health and safety hazards posed by such actions.
Hill said: "Fly-tips are a criminal offence and there is no excuse for them – they are unsightly, cost significant sums to clear up and can be, as was the case in this instance, a health and safety hazard."
This sentencing underscores the Council’s commitment to prosecuting severe fly-tipping cases when sufficient evidence is available.