Man Imprisoned for Asbestos Disposal at Cemetery

An individual has received a 12-month prison sentence following his admission of illegally depositing asbestos within a cemetery. Damian Barr, aged 36, residing on Gratton Road in Bedford, faced prosecution subsequent to his unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, specifically in and around a skip located at Foster Hill Road Cemetery on July 1, 2022. The Enviro Crime Team of Bedford Borough Council initiated proceedings after surveillance footage from CCTV cameras, which had been installed at the location due to previous fly-tipping occurrences, captured his actions. Mr. Barr pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and received his sentence at Luton Crown Court. Conservative councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, who holds the portfolio for housing and regulatory services, stated: “This case sends a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated.” She further elaborated that “The illegal dumping of waste, especially hazardous materials like asbestos, poses a significant risk to both public health and the environment.” Councillor Martin-Moran-Bryant affirmed that the council intends to “continue to use all available resources, including CCTV and public engagement, to tackle fly-tipping and protect our communities.”