Man sentenced for illegally burning waste
Flames were seen lighting up the night sky
- Published
A man who illegally burned waste near an Aberdeenshire village has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.
Derek McAllister, 61, admitted breaching the Environmental Protection Act involving the storage and burning of cars, fridges, rubber tyres, household and building waste and asbestos sheeting.
It happened at a site near Potterton between 2021 and 2022.
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, McAllister was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and placed under supervision for 18 months.
The fires were near the village of Potterton
McAllister was sentenced on Monday after previously admitting the crime.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said McAllister ignored repeated warnings to stop burning unauthorised items.
Residents in Potterton complained about the fumes.
Iain Batho, who leads on wildlife and environmental crime for the COPFS, said environmental crime caused the public "real and legitimate" concern.
"It is criminal behaviour which creates an eyesore on the landscape, is costly to clear up, and can negatively impact on local communities," he said.