News-"Ignorance is not an excuse" - court fines unlicensed scrap metal collector

Magistrates in Peterlee heard our licensing team received a tip off about a man collecting and weighing in scrap metal in the county without a licence last July. A vehicle registration number was provided, and Owen James Dobson, of School Road, East Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring, was identified as the owner.

We shared the registration details with scrap metal sites across the county, with one operator confirming the vehicle in question had visited the premises.

Records revealed Dobson, 25, had repeatedly sold scrap metal at the business between 4 June and 29 July 2024.

Failed to respond

The court heard Dobson is not licenced to collect scrap metal with us or any other local authorities. He failed to respond to several invitations for interview, resulting in the matter being taken to court.

Dobson was not present in court but pleaded guilty in writing to operating as a scrap metal collector without a licence. He also explained in the letter that he did not realise he had broken the law and was never advised he needed a licence when entering scrap metal yards.

Magistrates fined Dobson £2,000 and ordered him to pay an £800 victim surcharge and costs of £363.50.

Protecting the public and businesses

Ian Harrison, our  business compliance manager, said: "This prosecution shows that ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to breaching scrap metal licensing laws.

"People may see it as a victimless crime, but this is not the case at all. Scrap metal licensing was introduced to protect the public and businesses from metal thefts, and, similar to waste carrier licences, it helps to ensure unwanted items are disposed of responsibly. Those operating without a licence are not only committing an offence but gaining an unfair advantage over legitimate traders.

"I would encourage new and existing scrap metal collectors who are uncertain about what licences they may require, to contact our team for advice."