Paul Stephens avoids prison for illegal waste dumping in Cornwall

Paul Stephens, director of Park Lane Financial Management Limited and the liquidated Stephens & Stephens Group, appeared at Truro Crown Court following an investigation by the Environment Agency. He was found to have illegally dumped, buried, and burned approximately 25,734 tonnes of hazardous construction and demolition waste at a site in Hendra Croft, Rejerrah, near Newquay.

The waste, which was disposed of without a permit over a seven-year period to increase profits, included asbestos, plastics, gas canisters, mattresses, and electronics. Investigators used ground-penetrating radar to identify the buried materials. The Environment Agency noted that the disposal methods posed significant risks to human health and the environment, as pollutants could drain into the water table.

Prosecutors suggested some of the asbestos may have originated from the demolition of the former Cliffdene Hotel. Stephens previously pleaded guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act for exposing the public and staff to asbestos, resulting in a fine exceeding £65,000.