Following an anonymous tip-off from the public, the person responsible for dumping asbestos and other materials into a burial skip at a cemetery in Bedford has received a 12-month custodial sentence.
In the summer of 2022, Bedford Borough Council’s Enviro Crime Team deployed CCTV cameras at Foster Hill Road Cemetery after a series of fly-tipping incidents in the area.
On 1 July 2022 hazardous materials, including asbestos, were dumped in and around a burial skip. Footage from the CCTV cameras captured both a vehicle and a person responsible for the offence.
The images were published on the Council’s Caught on Camera webpage, appealing to the public for assistance, and prompting someone to get in touch with valuable information.
Following further enquiries, the Enviro Crime Team identified the individual as Damien Barr who was then interviewed and admitted to the offence of fly-tipping.
Hazardous waste
Given the severity of the crime, particularly the illegal disposal of hazardous waste, the case was referred to Luton Crown Court for sentencing. On 22 October 2024, Barr was sentenced to 12 months in prison for the offence.
Cllr Phillippa Marton-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder Housing and Regulatory services said: “This case sends a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Bedford Borough. We take environmental crime seriously, and we are committed to holding offenders accountable for their actions.
“I would like to commend our Enviro Crime Team for their persistence and dedication in bringing this case to court. Their swift action, along with the valuable support of the public, helped ensure justice was served.
“The illegal dumping of waste, especially hazardous materials like asbestos, poses a significant risk to both public health and the environment. We will continue to use all available resources, including CCTV and public engagement, to tackle fly-tipping and protect our communities.”
You can report environmental crimes or view outstanding fly-tipping cases on the Caught on Camera webpage at the Council’s website here.
