Specialist Legal Experts Say Lesson’s Should Be Learnt After 60 day Jail Sentence Handed Out

By Rob Dixon

Asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell say they hope a recent jail sentence handed to a man that dumped potentially hazardous roofing panels next to a residential garage sends out a message to others.

Ryan Clough, 26, was caught on CCTV taking the materials which can contain asbestos, from a roof rack and dumping it next to a garage near Chorley Old, Whittle-le-woods.

A jail sentence of 60 days was given to Clough, of Highfield Crescent, Nelson and he was ordered to pay £1,414 in costs after being convicted by Chorley magistrates.

CCTV showed Clough along with another man park up and when the coast was clear the pair removed the corrugated roofing from the vehicle and left it in a garden beside the garage.

Town hall bosses estimate that fly-tipping costs authorities in East Lancashire and Chorley more than £400,000 a year.

Iain Shoolbred, an asbestos-related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This case is a great example that councils take fly-tipping incidents very seriously, especially when it is disposing dangerous substances such as asbestos.

“Asbestos exposure is extremely dangerous and hazardous to our health.

“To dump potentially harmful materials like this is highly irresponsible so we welcome the sentence and fine given out and hope it sends out a message that this will not be tolerated.

“We need to continue to protect the environment and ourselves by properly disposing of asbestos and other hazardous materials in the correct manner. Councils up and down the country need to make the process as easy as possible for people to dispose hazardous waste to stop individuals fly-tipping.

 “If people need to know how to dispose of hazardous material then they should ring their local council for advice. Following the correct procedures can be the difference of spending time at home or spending time in jail.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell’s expertise in relation to Asbestos-related disease claims.