Richard Banwell and Ian Rees Phillips secure convictions in nationwide Environment Agency illegal waste case
February 17, 2026
Richard Banwell and Ian Rees Phillips acted for the Environment Agency in the successful prosecution of a large‑scale illegal waste operation involving the unlawful deposit of controlled waste at sixteen sites across England. The case concluded at Birmingham Crown Court on 13 February 2026.
Following a long‑running investigation by the Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit, the Court imposed a Confiscation Order of £1,116,432 on the principal defendant reflecting the financial benefit obtained from the offending. The Order is one of the largest imposed in connection with waste crime.
The Defendants received suspended custodial sentences and financial penalties with further orders requiring payment of £100,000 compensation to assist with clean-up and £200,000 towards Prosecution costs. Arrest warrants remain outstanding for two further individuals.
