Wiltshire farmer Neil Dyke has been fined after removing water sample bottles from an Environment Agency officer who was investigating a pollution incident at the farm
Dyke, 34, of Chipps Farm, Corsley, Warminster, appeared before Bath magistrates on 31 July 2024 where he admitted intentionally obstructing an officer in the exercise of his duties.
He was fined £289 and ordered to pay £116 victim surcharge and costs of £3,699
In a case brought by the Environment Agency, the court heard that an officer went to the farm in January this year after pollution was reported in the Rodden Brook.
The officer noticed a tractor spreading slurry in the next field and could see that the water in the brook was a dark brown/green colour, with a foam on the surface and smelled strongly – classic indicators of slurry pollution. He took photos and a water sample as well as an ammonia test which showed a result of around 10mg/l which was the maximum reading he could measure.
A tractor arrived and the officer explained to the driver what he was doing and twice asked the driver his name, but he refused to say.
Later, the tractor returned and the driver disputed the officer’s authorisation to take a sample. Though the officer showed his authorisation, the driver, Dyke, said he would not allow samples to be taken off site and he picked up the ones that were lying on the ground, putting them in the tractor cab. He refused to give them back, despite being asked a number of times, and drove off.
Following the hearing, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
Dyke’s behaviour was totally unacceptable. The officer was carrying out his lawful duties to establish slurry pollution in the brook.
We will not hesitate in pursuing anyone tries to prevent our officers from carrying out work to protect the environment.
Editors notes
The charge:
On 14 January 2024, at Chipps Farm, Corsley, Warminster, Wiltshire, you Neil Dyke intentionally obstructed Simon Horscroft, an Environment Agency Officer appointed by the Environment Agency, in the exercise or performance of his powers or duties, by removing water samples from his custody, Contrary to section 110(1) of the Environment Act 1995.
