Hugh Corey of Dundrod, County Antrim, was sentenced this month for breaches of waste legislation. Environment and Heritage Services (EHS) officers first investigated a site owned by Mr Corey at Tullyrusk Road in November 2004. At follow-up visits it was estimated that 12,000 tonnes of mixed biodegradable and inert wastes had been buried on the site and that further waste was being burned. In addition there was also evidence of water pollution.
Mr Corey pleaded guilty to 25 charges under the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order SI 1997/2778 in November 2006, but sentencing was deferred to allow him the opportunity to initiate a clean-up of the site. However further waste material was subsequently brought onto the site. Mr Corey was therefore convicted and received a record fine for such offences of £160,000, along with a four month prison sentence, which was suspended for three years.
