Fly-Tipper Jailed After Being Caught Again While on Suspended Sentence

A serial fly-tipper has been sent to prison after admitting dumping rubbish at multiple locations across South East Cornwall.

Court sentencing in Truro

On 14th January 2026, Kirk Robert Bignell, of Lanreath near Looe, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to seven charges of depositing controlled waste on land without consent under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The offences took place between July 2023 and July 2024.

Illegal waste collections

The court heard that Kirk, aged 50, advertised waste collection services on social media under the names “KB Van and Man” and “Scrap Beez”, despite not holding a waste carrier’s licence.

He was paid by businesses and householders to remove waste but then dumped it at various locations around East Cornwall. Items left included commercial fridges, furniture, building materials and household waste.

Tracked and caught again

Cornwall Council’s Community Protection team investigated the incidents and tracked the fly-tipped waste back to Kirk.

After being charged with six offences, he was later caught dumping more waste and charged with a seventh offence.

At the time of the offences, the court was told that Kirk was already under a suspended sentence for benefit fraud.

Prison sentence imposed

Judge Simon Carr sentenced Kirk to 12 months in prison for depositing controlled waste on land without consent.

The judge also activated his previous suspended sentence, ordering him to serve an additional two months in prison.

Council warning to residents and businesses

Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said the council would not tolerate fly-tipping in Cornwall.

She said the offence puts people and wildlife in danger and costs significant amounts of money to clear, impacting taxpayers and private landowners. She added that Kirk did not have a licence to remove waste and continued dumping after being charged, showing disregard for the law.

Thalia also warned that he fraudulently claimed to be a legitimate waste carrier, leading businesses and householders to pay for services that were not delivered.

Residents and businesses are reminded that anyone paying for waste removal must use a licensed waste carrier. Licences can be checked on the Environment Agency public register.