Syam Soni represented 5th Defendant

in Environment Agency prosecution

Syam Soni represented the 5th Defendant in proceedings involving the industrial-scale tipping- alleged to be in excess of 198,000 tonnes- of illegal waste on land in Stoke-on-Trent. The matter was prosecuted by the Environment Agency as it involved complex areas of investigation, litigation and evidence.

The impact of the tipping was said to be so profound that it put residential addresses which relied upon a nearby gas pipeline at risk of failure of supply. Further, the volume of waste deposited caused the landscape to change beyond recognition.

Despite the prosecution submitting that Syam’s client fell within the highest category of the sentencing guideline, Syam successfully persuaded the Judge to impose a suspended sentence.

Syam was instructed and assisted by Raj Kumar of Rahman Ravelli Solicitors.

The case received extensive media coverage:

BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-67316850

BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0436yry13o

Stoke Sentinel: https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/massive-illegal-landfill-north-staffordshire-8876110