SENTENCED: Unlicensed Hardwick scrap metal merchant

An unlicensed scrap metal dealer who was caught in a sting operation was sentenced at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (9 July).

Paul Saysell, 36, of Tithe Barn Road, Hardwick, pleaded guilty to an offence of carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence.

The Court heard that Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's licensing officers worked alongside Cleveland Police, British Transport Police and the Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) on a Tees Valley-wide operation on 20 November 2023, in which they stopped and checked vehicles carrying scrap metal.

Saysell's vehicle was stopped by police and led to a layby at Haverton Hill to be inspected. Magistrates were told Saysell had previously applied for a licence but had been refused due his previous relevant convictions.

He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £150 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council's cabinet member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Unlicensed scrap metal dealing is an issue we take seriously and that's why we already work closely with the enforcement agencies, neighbouring local authorities, and residents to crack down on it.

"Unlicensed collectors take trade from legitimate and licensed dealers and are often linked to other crime, such as fly tipping. I hope this prosecution acts as a deterrent to anybody collecting scrap metal without a licence."

Chief Inspector Dan Heron, from Stockton's neighbourhood policing team, said: "It is important that metal dealers are properly regulated and do not facilitate crime whether intentionally or indirectly.

"I'm pleased that working alongside our partners has led to Saysell being sentenced and should send a message to other people who think they can commit this crime and get away with it."

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