Waste Offender Skips Court, Convicted in Absence
A warrant is now out for David Lee, aka David Ham, 46, after he skipped his court date at Oxford magistrates’ court last week. Lee was found guilty on three counts of waste crime without even showing up.
Illegal Dumping and Burning Near Protected Land
Lee ran a commercial skip business from a caravan on a farm near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. The court heard he was dumping, sorting, storing, and burning waste — all without an environmental permit.
- Site was dangerously close to protected nature areas.
- Less than a mile from the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Under a mile from the Wolford Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Environment Agency Cracks Down on Pollution Risk
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency blasted Lee’s illegal operation:
“We are pleased to secure this conviction for running an illegal unpermitted waste operation. Waste crime harms the environment, endangers communities, and undercuts honest businesses.
If you spot waste crime, report it immediately to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Officers first visited the site in May 2021 after complaints of waste burning. They found full skips and piles of mixed waste smouldering from recent fires. Despite multiple warnings and a formal notice to clear the site, Lee carried on dumping and burning waste, even prompting fire service call-outs.
Conviction and Arrest Warrant Issued
- The case was heard on 13 March 2023.
- Lee was charged under Environmental Permitting and Protection laws for:
- Operating a waste facility without a permit,
- Failing to comply with removal orders,
- Burning permit-controlled waste.
- The site is located beside the busy A44 connecting Oxford to Worcester, close to Moreton-in-Marsh.
- Strict environmental permits require fire prevention, pollution control, and waste management plans — none of which Lee had.
Lee remains at large, with no bail, as authorities hunt for him to face justice.
