ESG Enforcement Tracker

Key facts:

Natural England and the Environment Agency prosecuted a farmer, John Price, for a number of offences, including:

• carrying out operations on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) without consent, contrary to section 28E of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;
• offences contrary to regulation 12 the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 of causing a regulated activity without authority; and
• failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent agricultural pollution contrary to regulation 10 the Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution Regulations 2018.

Mr Price pleaded guilty before Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court for the works he directed on the River Ludd, which run through a farm that he owned and operated. His previous failures and apparent disregard with respect to conservation and the environment, including a historic prosecution in 2007, were taken into account.

District Judge Strongman sentenced Mr Price, in accordance with the Environmental Offences Sentencing Guidelines, to 12 months’ imprisonment, costs in the order of £600,000 and also ordered that he be disqualified as a director for three years.