An East Rainton man has been told to pay more than £3,000 after being convicted of operating as an unlicensed scrap metal collector.
Owen James Dobson, 25, of School Road in East Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring, admitted the offence but did not appear in court. His written guilty plea also included the explanation that he had not realised he needed a licence to operate.
In response, following the prosecution, a Durham County Council figure said the outcome showed how “ignorance was not an excuse”.
The council’s licensing team were tipped off about an unlicensed operator collecting and weighing scrap metal and when Dobson’s vehicle registration was shared with scrap metal yards across the county, one operator confirmed his vehicle had attended the premises and repeatedly sold scrap metal between June 4 and July 29 last year.
A hearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard how Dobson is not licensed to collect scrap metal with Durham County Council or any other local authorities and had failed to respond to several invitations for interview. He was fine £2,000 and told to pay an £800 victim surcharge and costs of £363.50.
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Ian Harrison, Durham County Council’s business compliance manager, said: “This prosecution shows that ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to breaching scrap metal licensing laws. People may see it as a victimless crime, but this is not the case at all.
“Scrap metal licensing was introduced to protect the public and businesses from metal thefts, and, similar to waste carrier licences, it helps to ensure unwanted items are disposed of responsibly. Those operating without a licence are not only committing an offence but gaining an unfair advantage over legitimate traders.
“I would encourage new and existing scrap metal collectors who are uncertain about what licences they may require, to contact our team for advice.”
To do so call 03000 261 016 or email licensing@durham.gov.uk . More information is also available online.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/unlicensed-county-durham-scrap-man-31101585
