A fire-lout farmer from East Lancashire has been told he must pay back more than £360,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

John Leslie Allison, of Southfield Lane, Colne, undertook illegal waste activities at two sites in Colne without a permit.

The 75-year-old was jailed for three years in 2021 for allowing hazardous, large scale, mixed household and commercial waste materials to be deposited at the sites without a permit, causing unacceptable risks to the environment, highlighted by a number of significant fires at the site and numerous complaints from the public. 

On Friday (January 6), Allison appeared at Preston Crown Court before Judge Philip Parry after the Environment Agency pursued confiscation proceedings to seek an order to remove his ill-gotten gains.

The court found that Allison benefitted to the tune of £840,814 from his illegal waste activities and as a result he was ordered to pay £368,682.50, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, fixed by the total value of assets available to him.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We welcome the result of this proceeds of crime following the offences committed by prolific offender Mr Allison. 

“This sends out a strong signal to others that we will continue to fight tirelessly to combat illegal waste crime and bring those responsible to justice.  

“The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime which can have a devastating impact on the environment and local community. 

“I would urge everyone to check that a waste carrier, broker or dealer is registered before using them by checking the waste carriers register online at Gov.UK.” 

Allison had previously been imprisoned following an order to clear land in April 2018.

He had been given six months to clear waste from land off Delves Lane, Colne, but had failed to do so by the June deadline, with Judge Parry jailing him for six months in April 2019.

Environmental incidents can be reported to the Environment Agency 24/7 on 0800 807060, waste crime can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555111.