Cardiff Builder Jailed for Dumping Waste on Housing Land

A Cardiff rubble removal company owner has been jailed for illegally dumping waste on land planned for social housing development. 🏗️

William Hanson, 50, also known as William Connors, is already serving a 62-month prison sentence for defrauding elderly and vulnerable customers out of nearly £176,000.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that on April 6, 2023, a site manager spotted a Hanson Tipper & Grab Hire Ltd lorry depositing waste on land off Crickhowell Road in St Mellons, Cardiff. The land had been fenced off, but the original padlock had been replaced with one the lorry operators had a key for.

When questioned, the men falsely claimed they had permission from a Cardiff Council officer – who prosecutors confirmed doesn’t exist.

Prosecutor Lee Reynolds told the court there had been “very significant” dumping at the site totalling 800 tonnes, though Hanson’s accepted plea acknowledged responsibility for 80 tonnes through his company directorship.

Some waste included asbestos, with cleanup costs estimated at £39,500. The illegal dumping has delayed the planned social housing development.

Hanson, of Trowbridge Green, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to unauthorised depositing of controlled waste. His defence counsel, Gerard Hillman, argued the offence resulted from neglect rather than intent.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke noted that while the offence could warrant a financial penalty, an ongoing Proceeds of Crime Act investigation related to Hanson’s previous conviction took priority, saying: “At the moment every pound counts.”

Hanson received a one month and three weeks prison sentence to run concurrently with his existing term. He was also disqualified from driving for seven months, extended by 31 months to account for his time in prison.