Two cousins from North Owersby, near Market Rasen, have been fined a combined total approaching £7,000 after admitting offences relating to the illegal deposit and burning of waste.
Court ruling and penalties
The pair appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on 27 July. Ian Wilmot, aged 61 and of Hall Farm, was ordered to pay £3,990.55 — comprising a fine, surcharge and legal costs. His cousin, Mark Wilmot, 66, of Bramwil Hall Farm, received a 15-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a total of £2,820.25, mainly costs and a small surcharge.
How the case came to light
Environment Agency surveillance detected movement of waste between nearby farms in the Market Rasen area. Officers visited Hall Farm and found waste materials deposited there, including brick rubble mixed with wood, plastics, plasterboard and roofing felt. An officer also observed a fire on the site that included waste.
“We will not tolerate waste crime and are actively targeting illegal waste activities across Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire as part of a nationwide crackdown,”
The remark came from Peter Stark, enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, who reiterated the agency’s warning that landowners and farmers must understand and comply with environmental rules.
Admissions and paperwork
During interview, Mark Wilmot admitted transferring waste from a neighbouring holding to his cousin’s land. Although he held a waste carrier’s licence, he did not verify whether an environmental permit covered the receiving site. He was unable to produce the required waste transfer notes for the material.
- Offences: illegal deposit of waste; burning of waste on site; failure to provide waste transfer notes
- Prosecuting authority: Environment Agency
- Court: Lincoln Magistrates’ Court (27 July)
Penalties at a glance
| Defendant | Order | Total payable |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Wilmot (61), Hall Farm | Fine, surcharge, costs | £3,990.55 |
| Mark Wilmot (66), Bramwil Hall Farm | 15-month conditional discharge, costs | £2,820.25 |
The Environment Agency said it offers guidance before people begin waste activities and publishes advice online. Neighbours and local residents with concerns about potential illegal waste activity are encouraged to report it to the agency so it can investigate.
The case highlights the need for farmers and landowners to be clear about their responsibilities when moving or receiving waste, including ensuring appropriate permits and keeping accurate transfer notes.
