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Kent Man Gets 18-Months for Illegal Waste Site

A Lengthy Legal Saga Concludes

The Closure of the Mete Family Case James Mete, a 61-year-old man from Faversham, Kent, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of running an illegal waste operation. The case, which dates back to 2019, involved Mete along with his daughters, Lucy and Billie Mete. Following his initial prosecution, James Mete absconded before sentencing, leading to a protracted legal pursuit.   Court Proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Mete received a 14-month sentence for allowing the illegal disposal and treatment of waste at Thirwell Farm, and an additional four months for breaching bail terms. This sentencing brings an end to a significant environmental crime case in Kent.   Environmental Agency’s Role and Reaction Matt Higginson, an environment manager for the Environment Agency in Kent, expressed satisfaction with the police's efforts in apprehending Mete. He emphasized the seriousness of the crime, underscoring the need for stringent law enforcement in environmental matters. Higginson's comments reflect the Agency's commitment to tackling environmental crimes and ensuring compliance with legal standards.   Background of the Illegal Waste Operation The case against James Mete began after the Environment Agency gathered evidence of approximately 40,000 tonnes of soil and builders’ waste illegally dumped on his land between 2014 and 2016. The volume of this waste, equivalent to around 3,200 double-decker buses, highlighted the scale of the operation, which lacked the necessary environmental permit.   The Environmental Impact and Enforcement Actions An Environment Agency raid in 2015 uncovered significant piles of waste at Thirwell Farm, along with machinery for processing it. This discovery, along with testimonies from a lorry driver and a building supplies firm owner, implicated James Mete as the primary contact for waste disposal at the farm.   The Court's Verdict and Family Sentencing In a six-day trial in March 2019, James Mete and his daughters were found guilty of contravening the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) 2010. Lucy Mete was previously sentenced to a 26-week custodial sentence, and Billie Mete received a suspended prison sentence, demonstrating the court's commitment to addressing environmental violations.   The Importance of Public Vigilance The Environment Agency encourages the public and legitimate waste operators to report suspicious waste activities. Furthermore, public vigilance plays a crucial role in identifying and stopping environmental crimes, as evidenced in the Mete case.  

In Summary

The sentencing of James Mete for operating an illegal waste site in Kent underscores the serious nature of environmental crimes. Additionally, it highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies to bringing offenders to justice. This case further emphasizes the importance of compliance with environmental laws and the role of the community in safeguarding the environment. The Mete family's case serves as a reminder of the consequences of flouting environmental regulations. Moreover, it underscores the commitment of the UK's legal system to uphold environmental standards.   Sources: THX News & Environment Agency. Read the full article