Fly-tipper who dumped 150 tyres in South Bucks lay-by sentenced in court

A man who illegally dumped waste in South Bucks twice in a fortnight has been given a community order and will have to pay £1,200 in court costs.

Leroy Bartholomew, 60, from London, committed two fly-tipping offences in the same place last year – at the side of the Uxbridge Road (A412).

Four large barrels were dumped on January 25, 2024. Then, just over a week later, on February 3, about 150 tyres were also dumped there.

Because fly-tipping is a regular occurrence on the stretch, Buckinghamshire Council’s Enforcement Team is frequently in the area and began an investigation into these acts.

The team found CCTV footage from a nearby camera, showing a vehicle pulling into a lay-by on the road before dumping waste.

On both occasions, the CCTV showed someone throwing waste into the ditch. The individual got back into the vehicle and drove away, leaving the waste behind.

The vehicle was traced to Leroy Bartholomew.

Despite Bartholomew choosing not to cooperate with the investigation, the case was put forward for prosecution on the basis of the CCTV evidence.

He eventually pleaded guilty to the two offences at a hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court.

Following this, he appeared in the same court again before District Judge Sharma for sentencing on Thursday, February 20 this year.

Bartholomew was given a 12-month community order to carry out 120 hours unpaid work.

He was also issued with eight days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. RARs are designed to address the underlying causes of offending – and in this case might involve things like environmental awareness courses or other educational sessions.

Prosecution costs of £1,200 were awarded, too – and are be paid by Bartholomew at rate of £50 per month, meaning it will take him two years to be clear of the payments.

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment said:

“The evidence in this case was overwhelming and allowed us to bring the case to court despite the defendant choosing not to engage with our investigations.

“We will always seek to prosecute where we can and rely on the judicial system to deliver a ruling that acts as a firm deterrent to 'would-be' offenders.

“Once a case goes to court and a defendant is found guilty, the sentence imposed by the judge must weigh up the severity of the offence with the individual circumstances of the case before deciding on the sentence.

“In this case the defendant will have to carry out a lengthy term of community service which will allow him to reflect on his actions; actions which have earned him a criminal record.

This should also be seen as a reminder to others; we will not tolerate fly-tipping in Buckinghamshire – regardless of the outcome.”

If you have evidence showing an offence taking place and are willing to provide a witness statement, contact the council’s Enforcement Team at SCRAPflytipping@buckinghamshire.gov.uk