Peterborough letting agent ordered to pay £23,000 after fly-tipping cannabis growing materials and furniture in street

A Peterborough letting agency which fly-tipped cannabis growing materials, furniture, rubbish and clothes in the street has been ordered to pay more than £23,000 in fines, court costs and compensation.
Peterborough Magistrates' CourtPeterborough Magistrates' Court
Peterborough Magistrates' Court

Cozy Properties, and its sole director, Asif Hasham, were successfully prosecuted for five counts of fly-tipping at Peterborough Magistrates court.

The court heard how Hasham illegally dumped large amounts of waste in Long Drove, Whittlesey, during late 2016 and early 2017. The waste originated from a number of his rental properties and included household items such as furniture, clothing and general rubbish. Materials were also found that were used to grow cannabis.

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Streetscene enforcement officers from Fenland District Council undertook detailed investigations into the company’s activities. At formal interview, Hasham was unable to provide evidence of correct disposal of waste for nine properties managed by Cozy Properties, or for waste found belonging to his personal address and the former address of his wife.

The District Judge found Mr Hasham and Cozy Properties guilty of all five offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. During sentencing on September 4, Hasham was fined a total of £7,500. Cozy Properties was ordered to pay the Council’s full costs of £15,446.23 and £1,000 compensation for the clean-up costs.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious offence. It is harmful to the environment and our communities and results in significant costs to the public purse to clear.

“We will not tolerate such offences and will continue to thoroughly investigate incidents of this nature and prosecute perpetrators where possible.

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“Individuals and businesses must ensure that they have proper arrangements in place to dispose of their waste. The fine imposed in this case reflects the severity and frequency of the fly-tipping and the hours the Council have put in to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Members of the public are urged to report fly-tipping to Fenland District Council via its website at www.fenland.gov.uk/cleanstreets or in person at its Customer Services Centres or Community Hubs.