Durkan: We need to get serious about environmental crime

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said that environmental crime is not being treated with the seriousness it demands.

He was speaking after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) confirmed it would not be appealing the sentences handed to two men convicted in relation to illegal dumping at the Mobuoy site outside Derry.

Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: “The decision not to refer the Mobuoy sentences to the Court of Appeal sends a dangerous message that the chance to make tens of millions from environmental crime is worth the risk.

“At Mobuoy alone, the criminal gain was over £42 million.

“Yet the men involved received just 12 and 21 months in prison.

“This has been a bonanza week for environmental criminals. With the PPS refusing to pursue tougher penalties and a damning Audit Office report laying bare the scale of waste crime, it’s no wonder organised criminals are laughing all the way to the bank and on to their next illegal site.

“Our environment is being destroyed, our waterways polluted, and hazardous waste openly dumped and burned with virtually no consequences.

“If we’re serious about tackling this, then sentencing must reflect the harm caused.

“I’m calling on the Environment Minister to work with the Justice Minister to push for an urgent review of sentencing guidelines for environmental crime.

“Those who wreak this kind of destruction must face meaningful consequences, not just a slap on the wrist.”

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