A serial fly-tipper who left a trail of waste across the Devon countryside was finally brought to justice today when he was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Martin McDonagh, 23, failed to turn up at Plymouth Crown Court and was made the subject of a European arrest warrant following the sentencing hearing.

Judge Ian Lawrie described him as a ’persistent offender who showed a ruthless determination to dump waste wherever it suited.’

McDonagh, who is believed to have fled to the Republic of Ireland, was also ordered to pay a total of £7,000 costs for illegally depositing commercial and household waste at numerous sites in South and West Devon. The court also issued a Criminal Behaviour Order that prohibits McDonagh from being involved in any business enterprise involving the collection, carrying or transport of waste.

The van used during his crime spree was seized and destroyed by the Environment Agency. It is the first time, in the South West, the agency has ordered the destruction of a vehicle used to commit waste crimes.  

The defendant was caught following a joint investigation led by the Environment Agency with support from South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council, Teignbridge District Council, Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Adrian Evans, senior environment crime officer for the environment agency, Devon and Cornwall area, said: "This case serves as a reminder for people to be vigilant when transferring waste for disposal. Any person who collects and disposes of commercial or household waste must be a registered waste carrier authorised by the Environment Agency.

"Everyone has a duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of safely and doesn’t harm the environment. You should ask to see an operator’s waste carrier licence and whether your waste is being taken to an authorised site. Do not let your waste be removed if you are in any doubt. These simple steps can stop rogue fly-tippers in their tracks.

"The illegal disposal of waste in the countryside and local beauty spots causes annoyance and upset to local people and visitors. The serial fly tipper in this case was caught as a result of agencies working closely together sharing intelligence and resources to protect our environment."

McDonagh cold-called people across Devon offering to take waste away for cash. He told them the waste would be taken to a local tip, but instead he dumped it in the surrounding countryside including local beauty spots.

Up to 40 bags of mixed household waste was deposited at a time at numerous locations. McDonagh dumped waste at Cold Harbour Cross in the South Hams and a car park on the A386 near Clearbrook and at Calisham Cross in West Devon. The offences were committed over a 12-month period from July 2015.

South Hams District Council’s portfolio holder for commercial services, Cllr Rufus Gilbert, said: "We are taking a very robust line on fly tipping in the South Hams and have issued 13 fixed penalty notices against offenders. We are delighted that these cases are now coming to court. I assure you, we will continue whenever possible to prosecute future offenders."

The second offence under the Environmental Protection Act was for depositing building waste (including asbestos) at Lower Brimley Road, Teignmouth on 9 July, 2016 in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm to human health.

Judge Lawrie said McDonagh would have faced a two year prison sentence had he not submitted a guilty plea. Upon issuing the arrest warrant, Judge Lawrie said, ’Bring him back before the court.’

At a earlier hearing, McDonagh, of Pemros Road, St Budeaux, Plymouth pleaded guilty to two offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, of illegally depositing controlled waste at various sites across Devon and one offence under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 of transporting controlled without being a registered waste carrier.