Fined for Sompting field fire

A MAN has been fined over a dangerous blaze in a field north of the A27 at Sompting.

Paul Boniface, 59, of Upper Brighton Road, Sompting, illegally set fire to large volumes of hazardous waste, including furniture, plastics and a fridge, on October 9 last year.

He pleaded guilty to two waste disposal offences at Worthing Magistrates’ Court.

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He was fined £500 – £250 for each offence – and ordered to pay costs of £250.

“Prosecution is usually a last resort for us, but it was clear that this illegal method of waste disposal was unacceptable,” said Ruth Stemp, of the Environment Agency (EA).

“Mr Boniface had a blatant disregard for the community and the local environment, as his activities were dangerous and highly irresponsible.

“We will have no hesitation in prosecuting individuals or businesses who commit offences that cause misery to local residents, cause a drain on the emergency services and have the potential to cause harm to the environment.

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“I hope this case sends out a clear message that we will take resolute action on illegal waste operations.”

An EA officer spotted the large fire last October while driving along the A27 in Sompting.

Fire crews and police were called to attend, and found Boniface tending to the fire with another man.

Firefighters said it was burning out of control and, for safety reasons, left the waste to burn out.

The fire continued to rage for 24 hours.

When the EA later inspected the site of the blaze, they found traces of asbestos in the remains.

Boniface, who rented the land, claimed the waste had been dumped by travellers.

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