A FATHER and son have been found guilty of dumping waste that led to council workers being taken to hospital.

Darren Buckley, 38, and Samuel Buckley, 63, of Clockhouse Way, Braintree, flytipped waste in Toppesfield Road, Wethersfield, without a waste management licence on about January 28 this year.

The pair, operating as “Mr Clear It” waste removal service, were also found guilty of depositing potentially harmful waste without a licence at Graves Hall Road, Castle Hedingham, on about February 4 this year.

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard how council employees Gregory Halford and Steven Smith felt burning sensations on their tongues after discovering drums containing fertiliser at Graves Hall Road, also known as Brick Kiln Lane.

The court also heard from witness Pauleen Banks, who had contacted who she believed was “Mr Clear It” to remove items from her father’s garage at his home in Bradford Street, Braintree, after he died.

Despite being assured the items, including ten drums of fertiliser, would be disposed of safely, they ended up being dumped at Graves Hall Road.

Witness Raymond Cason also told how he contacted “Mr Clear It” to remove garage rubbish from his former address in Bishop’s Stortford, which, again, ended up being dumped.

Steven Hopkins, prosecuting on behalf of Braintree Council, said it had cost the council £2,828 to dispose of the waste.

The pair had denied the charges, but they were convicted by magistrates.

They were ordered to pay £2,828 to compensate Braintree Council, £100 compensation for each council employee hurt and £3,846 costs, divided between them.

Darren Buckley received 200 hours’ community service.

Samuel Buckley was also ordered to pay a fine of £250 and a victim surcharge of £15.