A SCRAP MAN has been convicted of operating an unlicensed yard and failing to keep the proper documentation.

Christopher Williams, of Acton Dene, Stanley, was convicted of three charges relating to his business C&C Clearances on Whinfield Industrial Estate at Rowlands Gill.

Gateshead Council officers visited his premises following a complaint by a member of the public and discovered a large quantity of scrap metal and waste being stored on the site.

Williams was then asked to provide details of his licence to operate a scrap yard and his waste transfer documents, but was unable to do so.

Williams failed to attend Gateshead Magistrates’ Court on June 21 to answer three charges of operating an unlicensed scrapyard.

Two of those charges , carrying out a scrap metal business without a licence and failing to produce waste transfer documents, were found in his absence.

He was instructed to attend court on Monday, August 7, for sentencing where he pleaded guilty to the third remaining charge of failing to provide transfer waste documentation.

Williams was fined £750, with £500 costs.