Man causes ‘choking smog’ in Scottish village by burning asbestos and cars
A man has been found guilty of causing a ‘choking smog’ in a Scottish village after illegally burning asbestos, cars, fridges, and tyres to make money. Derek McAllister, 61, admitted breaching the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by storing and burning various hazardous materials at his site near the village of Potterton in Aberdeenshire. Residents complained of harmful fumes infiltrating their homes, preventing them from using their gardens, and leading them to seal windows and vents due to the noxious smoke. Prosecutors highlighted that when the smoke mixed with sea fog, it created a hazardous ‘choking smog’, sparking health concerns among the villagers.
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, McAllister was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and placed under 18 months of supervision. He was also subject to a Confiscation Order for an estimated criminal profit of £60,000, with an initial amount of £3,000 to be paid back. This order can be extended to cover any future assets to retrieve the full sum earned illegally. Despite warnings from authorities like the police, fire service, and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to cease the unauthorised burning, McAllister continued his activities at the site.
Additionally, another individual, John McKenzie, 27, from Aberdeen, was fined £240 and given a nine-month community payback order for assisting in the illegal burning activities. Iain Batho from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) emphasised the detrimental impact of environmental crime on both landscapes and communities, highlighting the lack of consideration shown by McAllister and McKenzie. He reiterated that such illegal actions will face severe consequences to protect the environment and those living nearby.
In conclusion, the case of Derek McAllister serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental crimes on communities. The deliberate and criminal actions of individuals like McAllister and McKenzie not only harm the environment but also pose health risks to those living in the vicinity. Authorities must remain vigilant in enforcing environmental protection laws to safeguard communities and prevent such incidents from reoccurring.