A WASTE company tanker driver has been convicted of polluting a tributary. Bryan Dobson had been seen discharging a dark coloured liquid from the tanker belonging to Royston-based JK Environment, a hearing at Ely Magistrates Court was told. But Dobson

A WASTE company tanker driver has been convicted of polluting a tributary.

Bryan Dobson had been seen discharging a dark coloured liquid from the tanker belonging to Royston-based JK Environment, a hearing at Ely Magistrates' Court was told.

But Dobson claimed he had not been the tanker driver when the incident happened and that the company's records for the day were wrong.

Environment Agency officers seized worksheets and logsheets as well as tracking date from the company in York Way, Royston, which showed Dobson's vehicle had dumped the waste.

The court heard that agency officers inspected the area of the Grunty Fen catchwater drain at Wilburton and discovered evidence of sewage-related debris.

Samples taken from the watercourse showed the pollution matter was raw, untreated sewage and that the liquid had potentially toxic levels of ammonia.

Immediately prior to the incident, the tracking device showed the vehicle had stopped at a number of nearby mobile homes known to have septic tanks.

Dobson was fined £250 and ordered to £750 costs.

In May, JK Environmental had admitted causing pollution and was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £3,083 costs.

Speaking after the hearing, Phil Henderson, an Environment Agency senior officer, said: "This reckless action was carried out deliberately and with complete disregard for the environment.

"The use of modern technology in this case highlights the means we are now able to use to trace and identify offenders who seek to ignore regulations put in place to protect the environment," he said.