An Irishman believed to be involved a number of serious waste crimes has been brought back to the United Kingdom using an European Arrest Warrant to face prosecution – a first for the Environment Agency in its fight against fly-tipping.
Patrick Joseph Anderson, who is from the Republic of Ireland, was detained by Irish police and deported last Thursday (25 October) following a European Arrest Warrant being issued. He was flown back to London Heathrow where he re-arrested.
Owen Bolton, Senior Environmental Crime Officer at the Environment Agency, Anglian Region, who led the investigations said: "This is the first time the Environment Agency has been successful in using a European Arrest Warrant to bring someone to face prosecution for waste crime.
"We believe Mr Anderson was involved in a number of serious fly-tipping offences in North and South East London, and in Essex. Our investigations date back into incidents from 2003, and as the case is due to be heard at Inner London Crown Court, we are unable to give specific details of the case."
A court summons had originally been issued to Mr Anderson at his last known address in England in October 2006. However, when the Environment Agency attempted to serve them on him, it became apparent he had sold up and moved back to Ireland.
Owen Bolton continued: "When we learnt of Mr Andersons' new whereabouts, our Head Office Legal Team secured the European Arrest Warrant with the assistance of the Crown Prosecution Service. This case sends out a clear message that the Environment Agency will use all the powers at its disposal to ensure those who we believe may be involved in crimes against our environment are bought to justice.
"Waste crime is a serious problem that not only damages our environment, but forces significant costs upon those victims that are dumped on and undermines the legitimate businesses who handle waste in accordance with the law. We will not tolerate it and continue to work to tackle it."
Mr Anderson is currently on police bail on the conditions that he has handed over his passport, resides at a UK address, paid a bond of £5,000 and reports to the local police station once a week.