Businessman prevented neighbours using their gardens during warm lockdown weather by burning waste at countryside beauty spot and leaving locals 'drowning in smoke'

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A businessman prevented his neighbours from using their gardens during warm lockdown weather by burning waste at a countryside beauty spot and leaving locals ‘drowning in smoke’.

Matthew Leiper had purchased a picturesque parcel of land at Unthank Square, near Berwick-Upon-Tweed in 2017 and initially used it simply to store vehicles, which were hidden by shrubbery and did not, initially, create an eyesore.

But Newcastle Crown Court heard shortly before lockdown in early 2020, Leiper, who later told the authorities it was his land and he ‘could do what he wanted’, started a process to build large barns to store fairground rides and inflatables for his entertainments business.

The works meant the ‘end of life’ vehicles were left ‘strewn around’ and he started to burn wood, metal and plastic waste, along with greenery, which created ‘thick, strong chemical smoke’ billowing out into the community.

The court heard old furniture such as a mattress, mircrowave, chair and fridge are believed to have been torched at the site.

Matthew Leiper had purchased a picturesque parcel of land at Unthank Square, near Berwick-Upon-Tweed in 2017 and in lockdown he started to burn wood, metal and plastic waste, along with greenery, which created 'thick, strong chemical smoke' (pictured above)

Matthew Leiper had purchased a picturesque parcel of land at Unthank Square, near Berwick-Upon-Tweed in 2017 and in lockdown he started to burn wood, metal and plastic waste, along with greenery, which created ‘thick, strong chemical smoke’ (pictured above)

The fires, which could burn for days, meant locals were unable to take advantage of their gardens during the unseasonally warm weather, when the country was ordered to stay indoors as Coronavirus spread.

Residents were unable to even open a window but still suffered the affects of the thick smoke, which they could actually taste.

One neighbour said the smoke was ‘thick and black’ and caused her to develop a cough. Another said it was as if ‘he and his family were drowning in smoke’ and it had an acidic taste.

A third said smoke would ‘catch the back of her throat’ and was ‘foul and pugnant’.

Leiper was found guilty last October, following an eight day trial, of operating a waste site without an environmental permit and burning waste in a way likely to cause pollution to the environmental or harm to human health.

Mr Recorder Richard Herrmann said the sentence did not reflect the way Leiper ‘changed that landscape’ but added: ‘Permitting and exempting exists to ensure waste is handled safely and properly so as not to diversely affect the environment.’

Recorder Herrmann said there were around ten fires during a five month period and some burned during the night, into the following days and the residents lives were ‘entirely restricted’.

The recorder added: ‘Each of the residents graphically described the affect of the fires and the smoke on their day to day lives and use of their gardens during that first lockdown when the weather was so good.

‘They couldn’t open windows, even when windows were closed tight, acrid smoke was leaking into their properties.’

Leiper was sentenced to a 12 month community order with 260 hours unpaid work.

The court heard Leiper has since sold the land and despite having thousands of pounds in his bank account in the past, is now of limited means and has no assets.

He told the court the fairground rides and inflatables have all been sold, save for three small bouncy castles.

The court heard old furniture such as a mattress, mircrowave, chair and fridge are believed to have been torched at the site (pictured above)

The court heard old furniture such as a mattress, mircrowave, chair and fridge are believed to have been torched at the site (pictured above)

Brian Mark, defending, said Leiper has mental health problems which could have affected his decision making.

Gary Wallace, Environment Agency Area Environment Manager in the North East, said: ‘Our priority is the protection of people and the environment and Leiper’s offending caused misery for the community, clearly impacting on their health and well-being and causing pollution to the local area.

‘Our officers have worked hard to bring this case to court and the investigation demonstrates that we will not tolerate illegal waste activity.

‘I’d like to thank the community who gave vital evidence in court and who have supported us throughout this investigation to ensure Leiper was brought to justice for his crimes.’

He added: ‘Leiper has shown a complete disregard for the community and the environment and his appearance at court sends out a message to others that we will take action to tackle waste crime.

‘Anyone who sees illegal waste activity can contact the Environment Agency.’

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