Michael Cliff, 57-year-old from Bishop Auckland, appeared in Peterlee Magistrates Court Tuesday 22 February. He pleaded guilty for four of the charges. These charges include failing to permit an inspection by Environment Agency officials and causing distress through threatening behaviours and abusive words.
He was fined a total amount of 320 and ordered to pay legal fees and a victim surcharge totaling 931.
The Environment Agency Prosecuting Attorney told the court that two Environment Agency officers were present at Beckfield Stables Tuesday 27 April 2021 to respond to information about burning waste at the location.
Mr Cliff confronted officers from the Environment Agency, using foul language, threatening behaviour, and forced them to leave.
Andrew Turner, Team Manager at the Environment Agency in North East, stated:
Our officers play an important role in investigating reports of waste crimes. They help to protect the environment and ensure that people and businesses follow the law. We have a zero tolerance policy for abuse and will take the appropriate action against any of our officers.
Mr Cliff apologized later for his anger and short temper.
Although the court considered a community punishment for Mr Cliff, due to his ill-health, it decided to penalize him with a small fine. The Magistrate that presided over the hearing said that the incident was a costly loss of temper.