The Daily Star Ireland
Two business directors from Northern Ireland have received prison sentences after pleading guilty to operating one of the largest illegal waste disposal sites in Europe. The operation, described by the court as a large-scale environmental offense, took place over several years and involved extensive illegal dumping near a key water source.
The illegal landfill, located near the Mobuoy Road outside Derry, spans more than 100 acres—an area comparable to around 70 football fields. The site sits adjacent to the River Faughan, a crucial source of drinking water for the city of Derry. Authorities believe the long-term dumping at the location posed significant risks to the surrounding environment and public health.
Paul Doherty, aged 67, was a director at Campsie Sand and Gravel Ltd and admitted to seven counts of waste-related offenses carried out between 2007 and 2013. He was sentenced at Derry Crown Court to 12 months’ imprisonment for each offense, to be served concurrently.
Gerard Farmer, 56, director of City Industrial Waste Ltd, also pleaded guilty—this time to three separate charges. He received a sentence of 21 months on each count, also to run concurrently. During sentencing, the judge emphasized that both individuals acted intentionally, driven solely by financial incentives. The court underscored that such environmental crimes would now carry serious consequences, especially when motivated by profit.
Financial Gain and Further Legal Action
Evidence presented during the proceedings revealed that the illegal activity could have generated approximately £30 million for Doherty’s company. Farmer’s firm was estimated to have profited around £13 million. City Industrial Waste Ltd, which also pleaded guilty to three corporate charges, awaits further sentencing under the Proceeds of Crime legislation. That process aims to recover assets gained through illegal means and is scheduled to proceed at a later date.
The sentencing has received strong backing from Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. He stated that the criminal activity was a calculated and organized effort to dispose of controlled waste unlawfully over many years. The minister praised the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Public Prosecution Service for building a strong case despite the complexity involved.
