Warrington resident was operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence.
Stephen Monaghan, 56, of Higham Avenue, Warrington, WA5 0HF was observed in December 2018 driving a vehicle carrying a quantity of scrap metal.
Mr Monaghan was summonsed to appear at Warrington Combined Court on 19 June 2019 to answer a charge of operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence. He failed to attend and was found guilty in his absence.
He was fined £1,000 for the offence, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £100 and a contribution to costs of £550.
When questioned, Mr Monaghan admitted that he was collecting scrap metal and that he thought he had a licence. Subsequent checks established that he had previously held a licence that expired in February 2017.
Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for Environment and Public Protection, Cllr Judith Guthrie, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that illegal scrap metal dealing in Warrington will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to crack down on this illegal activity to protect our residents. This man’s actions also undermine legitimate scrap metal collectors operating within Warrington.”
To operate as a scrap metal dealer, a license needs to be applied for through the council. You can find further information and licence applications forms on the Warrington Borough Council website.
