Scrap metal dealer has been fined

A Birmingham man has been fined for collecting scrap metal in Solihull without the necessary licence.

Stephen O’Sullivan of Severne Road, Acocks Green, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on the 14th February and pleaded guilty to an offence under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

The court heard that a Ford Transit laden with scrap metal was stopped on St Bernard’s Road in Olton on the 7th January during a joint operation involving Police Officers from Shirley and Environmental Crime Officers from Solihull Council. O’Sullivan was driving the vehicle and admitted that he was collecting scrap metal and that he did not have a licence and had not applied for one. The scrap metal was surrendered and has since been sold to help fund future operations.

The 56-year-old was fined £185 and ordered to pay £105 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Cllr Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Partnerships, said: “The new scrap metal licensing scheme started last year and I hope this will reinforce the message that anyone dealing in scrap metal in Solihull must hold one. To help reduce metal theft, fly tipping and noise, our Environmental Crime Unit have regular operations with the Police locally which licensed scrap metal dealers are very supportive of.”

For more information: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/30763.htm