NO PERMIT: Cambs company fined for old computer rubbish pile

A BUSINESSMAN who stored computer equipment containing dangerous chemicals outside his premises without the necessary permit has been fined �1,000. Douglas Llewellyn, 42, who runs Llewellyn Technical Services, pleaded guilty at Huntingdon Law Courts on Th

A BUSINESSMAN who stored computer equipment containing dangerous chemicals outside his premises without the necessary permit has been fined �1,000.

Douglas Llewellyn, 42, who runs Llewellyn Technical Services, pleaded guilty at Huntingdon Law Courts on Thursday to storing computer goods and IT equipment at his company between June 10 and September 13 of last year.

Llewellyn Technical Services deals with the replacement and refurbishment of IT equipment for schools and businesses, and the volume of equipment at the premises meant that some low-value items had to be stored outside.

Cathode ray tube computer monitors containing heavy metals, which could have potentially damaged the environment, were left outside the premises at Little Staughton Airfield Industrial Estate.

Anne-Lise McDonald, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Llewellyn was required to have a permit due to the nature of his work.

However, Chris Wallsworth, defending, explained that Mr Llewellyn had approached the Environment Agency for guidance about a permit, and had been awaiting their advice on the matter. Instead he was prosecuted.

"The entire experience has been a nightmare for him. He wonders how he finds himself in a situation which may be likened to a using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Mr Llewellyn was fined �1,000 and ordered to pay �500 costs, and a �15 victim surcharge.