A criminal network led by Martin Ward and Patrick Doherty systematically dumped tons of waste on sites across southwest London, exploiting legal loopholes and intimidating property owners for profit.

Systematic Illegal Dumping

Martin Ward, 53, and Patrick Doherty, 42, led the operation, targeting vacant car parks and sites between Croydon and Wimbledon over eleven months. They specifically sought locations described as ‘easy to control’.

The gang would break into properties, disable security measures like CCTV, and demand payments of up to £15,000 from site owners to prevent illegal dumping. When these demands were not met, they would move their families – including wives and children – onto the sites.

Exploiting Traveller Rights

The presence of children was strategically used to leverage legal protections afforded to travellers. This complicated eviction processes and allowed them to establish a presence on land without permission.

Profiting from Illegal Waste

The operation involved accepting cash from individuals and businesses seeking to illegally dispose of waste. Tipper trucks arrived in convoys, dumping household waste, construction debris, and potentially hazardous materials near the gang’s caravans.

Evidence presented at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court, including CCTV footage, showed Michael Ward, 61, directing customers. The gang profited from the lower costs of illegal dumping compared to authorized disposal sites.

Escalating Landfill Tax

The escalating ‘landfill tax’, currently at £130.75 per ton, incentivized illegal dumping. This criminal enterprise is a significant example of a larger problem, with an estimated 38 million tons of waste illegally dumped in Britain annually, costing the public over £1 billion.

The case highlights the need for stricter enforcement, increased penalties, and a re-evaluation of the factors contributing to the rise in illegal waste disposal, including the impact of landfill taxes and the exploitation of legal loopholes.