A Co Down man has been given a suspended prison sentence at Newry Crown Court after pleading guilty to illegal waste offences.

Arthur Seamus McAvoy, 66, a farmer and landowner of Tullintanvally, in Annaclone, was given a nine months prison sentence, suspended for two years, for offences under the Waste and Contaminated Land Order (Northern Ireland) 1997.

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During visits to a site at Monteith Road, Annaclone, owned by Mr McAvoy, officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (formerly Environment and Heritage Service) observed a range of controlled waste such as clay, soil, builders' waste, tarmac, sewer piping, empty drums, wooden pallets, plastic wrapping, a mattress, green waste (tree clippings).

There was also a tractor tyre, plaster board, fibreglass insulation, cement, large tyre tube, plastic drinks crates, glass drinks bottles, bar stool, plastic chair, wheelbarrow wheels, wooden doors, children’s toys, bed springs, and a washing machine.

Indications of burning were also visible on the site.

(PR/BMcc)