Two men from Church convicted and sentenced following separate fly-tipping incidents
Two men from Church convicted and sentenced following separate fly-tipping incidents
Two men from Church, Accrington have been convicted and sentenced following separate fly-tipping incidents on the back alleys in Church.
Dan Szavui, of Barnes Street, Church and Richard Owen, of Lion Street, Church were summoned before Burnley Magistrates’ Court where they both failed to appear on the 29 June 2026 and were found guilty in their absence of failing to comply with a notice served on them by the Councils Waste Enforcement Team which required them to answer questions relating to a fly-tipping investigation, contrary to section 110(2)(a) of the Environment Act 1995.
The first fly-tipping incident took place on or before 1 December 2025, when Waste Enforcement Officers of the Council encountered a large amount of illegally deposited waste (approximately 1 ton) on the alley between Barnes Street and Dineley Street in Church. The waste consisted of full bags, household items including a pram and mattress, broken furniture and other general rubbish.
Image: Waste which has been fly-tipped in Church, Accrington
Evidence recovered from the waste linked it to a property on Barnes Street in Church, Accrington, which Council officers were able to link to the defendant via the council tax register.
The second fly-tipping incident took place on or before 10 February 2026 when Waste Enforcement Officers of the Council encountered a large amount of illegally deposited waste (approximately 1 ton) on the alley between Lion Street and Barnes Street in Church. The waste consisted of a number of bags of waste and some other rubbish, strewn across the back alley.
Image: Waste which has been fly-tipped in Church, Accrington
Numerous attempts were made by the Council to contact the defendants prior to the notice of prosecution being served. Both defendants failed to respond to this notice within the stipulated time, and have to date, failed to respond to any correspondence from the Council in relation to these matters.
At sentencing, the court heard that the illegal depositing of waste from both Defendant’s addresses has no doubt caused upset and distress to residents in the area. It is a well populated residential area, and the incidents not only blighted the environment, but also had a detrimental effect on the local community, and the clean-up costs incurred by the Council to clear the waste and remediate the area totalled £314.25 for each of the two incidents.
Dan Szavui was sentenced to a fine of £120. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and full costs to Hyndburn Borough Council including legal fees and clean-up costs of £798.25, to be paid in full within 28 days.
Richard Owen was also sentenced to a fine of £120. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and full costs to Hyndburn Borough Council including legal fees and clean-up costs of £798.25, to be paid in full within 28 days.
Councillor Paul Cox, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services said:
“There is no excuse for illegally dumping waste. Anyone who chooses to dispose of rubbish irresponsibly risks facing enforcement action. This case sends a clear message that we will investigate fly tipping incidents and take action when offences have been committed. We also encourage residents to check that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly licensed.”
Hyndburn Borough Council encourages residents to report fly‑tipping and to ensure they use authorised waste carriers when arranging waste removal, as householders can also be held responsible for how their waste is disposed of.