Danny Price, Noah Price and Beatrice Price, of the A49 traveller site, Leominster, failed to attend trial at Herefordshire Magistrates’ Court and were convicted in their absence following an investigation by council officers into their scrap metal collection activities.

The investigation began after officers identified Danny Price, who used the Facebook profile ‘Tom Junior Null’ to advertise scrap metal collection and tip runs.

Invoices seized as part of the investigation showed Danny Price was acting as a mobile scrap metal collector, with further evidence showing payments were also made directly to Noah Price and Beatrice Price.

All three defendants were found to have failed to meet legal requirements around waste collection and scrap metal activities.

Danny Price was fined £3,000, ordered to pay a £1,200 victim surcharge and £895 in costs.

Noah Price and Beatrice Price were each fined £4,500, ordered to pay a £1,800 victim surcharge and £895 in costs.

The total fines were £12,000, with a further £5,400 in mandatory victim surcharges and £2,685 in Council costs, bringing the total amount ordered to be paid to £19,485.

The offences included failing to hold the correct licence to transport waste, failing to provide waste transfer documentation and failing to hold the appropriate scrap metal collector’s licence.

Anyone collecting waste must hold the correct licence to transport waste, keep records of waste transfers and, where scrap metal is involved, hold a valid scrap metal collector’s licence.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Councillor Barry Durkin, said:

“Anyone who collects scrap metal or removes waste has a responsibility to operate within the law and ensure waste is handled properly.

The rules around waste and scrap metal collection are there to protect residents, prevent this type of waste being disposed of irresponsibly and ensure legitimate businesses are not disadvantaged by those who ignore their responsibilities.

We would always encourage residents to check that anyone offering to remove waste, or scrap metal is properly licensed and to use a reputable service.

These prosecutions demonstrate that we will continue to act against those who fail to meet the required standards.” 

You can find out more about scrap metal licences on Herefordshire Council’s website.