Company Director Pleads Not Guilty to Dumping 27 Tonnes of Waste on Country Lane

Overview

A company director accused of dumping 27 tonnes of untreated waste on a rural lane in Staffordshire has pleaded not guilty to nine offences.

Darren Sheen, director of Fusion Engineering, appeared at Stafford Crown Court today (Tuesday) where he denied charges relating to an illegal fly-tipping incident in Curborough, near Lichfield, which left a row of houses temporarily cut off.

The incident occurred overnight on 19 January 2025, when residents awoke to find a 10-foot-high mound of waste—spanning 27 yards—blocking their only access road.

£10,000 Clear-up Operation

Lichfield District Council led the clean-up, incurring costs of approximately £10,000, and subsequently launched a prosecution after tracing the dumped materials back to Sheen’s company.

Sheen, appearing in court alongside legal representatives, entered not guilty pleas to nine counts, including:

• Depositing controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm to human health.

• Failing to transfer waste to an authorised waste carrier.

• Wilful obstruction of a highway.

• Dangerous driving (a separate charge brought against Sheen personally).

The offences are alleged against both Fusion Engineering Ltd and Sheen in his role as company director.

Trial Delayed Until 2027

Despite Sheen’s plea, the court was informed that his trial will not be scheduled until 8 March 2027 due to significant court backlogs and the complexity of evidence expected to be presented.

Judge Avik Mukherjee expressed regret over the extended delay, addressing both the defendant and the court:

“I’m conscious of how unsatisfactory this timeline is. Unfortunately, the reality of the current listing constraints leaves us with little alternative.”

A pre-trial review has been set for 29 June 2026, where both the prosecution and defence are expected to submit expert reports regarding the nature and handling of the waste materials involved.

Residents ‘Outraged’

Local residents, who were stranded by the blockage, have expressed frustration at the disruption and welcomed the prosecution.

One homeowner said:

“It was disgraceful. We had no way out for hours until the council turned up. It’s appalling that this could take another two years to resolve.”

Council Statement

A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said:

“Illegal dumping of waste is a serious crime that affects communities and places a financial burden on taxpayers. We are committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

Sheen remains on bail pending the next court hearing.