A waste man who collected rubbish and dumped it in Melksham could be sent to prison.
Father-of-five Corey Ross Carr was illegally running CC Waste Removal and Clearance when he was caught fly-tipping a lorry-load of rubbish by a passing Ministry of Defence helicopter.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (29 April) heard how the aircraft was equipped with an “intensive camera” which was able to focus right in on the defendant’s face as he looked up at it.
Footage recorded by the helicopter clearly showed Carr dumping the waste in Woodrow Road – with his face and vehicle’s registration plate visible. His teenage daughter was also present.
Andrew Komosa, prosecuting for Wiltshire Council, said the military was 800 feet above the defendant as he committed the crime in November last year – and it was later reported to them.
The court heard how he did not have the relevant permit to engage in a waste disposal business and had claimed to be authorised by the Environment Agency in advising – when the business was not.
The 27-year-old, of Somerset Crescent, Melksham, pleaded guilty to five offences – including disposing of controlled waste without a permit, disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm to human health and engaging in unfair commercial practice.
Representing himself, Carr told the court: “I basically started it before the pandemic after I had a crash and wasn’t able to work, I was a site supervisor before this.
“I threw all my money into this business – I’ve got five kids to pay for. I’m a proud dad but I was skint and doing through a bad time. I’m a dad that’s trying to make money for my family.
“With the price of everything at the moment, I was trying to make a living. I had only been doing this business for six months.
“I’m not working now because I’m waiting for an operation on my hand.”
He told the court that he has no income and was considering claiming benefits.
Mr Komosa said the council had incurred officer and legal costs of more than £2,400 and asked the court to consider making a compensation order.
Magistrates ordered an all-options pre-sentence report. The case was adjourned until 6 June. The defendant was released on unconditional bail.
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