TWO scrap metal collectors who were operating illegally have been banned from carrying out their business in County Durham.

Magistrates in Peterlee imposed two-year Criminal Behaviour Orders on Glen White and Aaron Straughair – the first time such powers have been used in County Durham.

The order prevents White from entering any premises licensed for the receipt of waste and scrap metal in the county, from having sole possession or control of scrap metal and carrying out waste and scrap metal collections from residential or commercial premises.

Straughair is banned from having sole possession or control of scrap metal and from collecting waste or goods.

The court heard how White, of Shelley Avenue, Easington Lane, was seen on CCTV reversing a tipper truck onto grass at the Grove and Moors Social Club, in Consett, in November 2014 before disposing of several baths and other items.

Straughair, of Brickgarth, Easington Lane, was stopped in December 2014 while carrying scrap metal, where he admitted not having the correct licence.

White, 29, admitted failing to produce waste transfer notes, knowingly facilitating the deposition of household waste by allowing his vehicle to be used to transport items and two counts of carrying operating without a scrap metal collectors licence.

Straughair, 25, pleaded guilty to carrying on business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence, littering and two counts of failing to produce waste transfer notes.

In mitigation, magistrates heard that both men recognised that they have been refused a scrap metal licence and cannot continue working as scrap metal collectors.

White and Straughair were also fined £200 each and both ordered to pay £200 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.