‘Extraordinarily abusive and hostile’: equestrian centre proprietor in courtroom for obstructing officers

An equestrian centre proprietor who was “extraordinarily abusive and hostile” to Atmosphere Company (EA) officers attempting to examine his premises has been ordered to pay over £13,000.

Darren Lee Fretwell, of Golden Valley Equestrian Centre and Golden Valley Caravan Park in Alfreton, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court docket on 13 September. The 58-year-old admitted two prices of obstruction.

The courtroom heard that in August 2023, EA officers had been instructed that waste was being tipped on land on the equestrian centre, a livery yard and competitors venue.

“On 11 August 2023, an unmarked eight-wheel tipper lorry that had deposited waste on website did not cease when instructed by an Atmosphere Company officer,” an EA spokesperson stated.

“Fretwell had instructed the motive force to not cease and to drive previous the officer.

“Throughout the identical go to, Fretwell additionally refused to allow excavators which had been current at Golden Valley Equestrian Centre to scrape again high layers of soil to look at what had been deposited beneath.”

The spokesperson added that on the identical date, Fretwell refused to supply waste switch notes regarding waste introduced on website, when requested by an EA officer.

“On 16 August 2023, the Atmosphere Company officers returned to Golden Valley Equestrian Centre, on the invitation of Fretwell, to conduct a follow-up inspection.” the spokesperson stated.

“In the middle of the go to, officers thought of they wanted to go to a neighbouring website additionally owned by Fretwell. This website is called Wallis Gorse, and is on Lengthy Lane, Golden Valley. After some resistance to this from Fretwell, the officers visited that website.

“That is the place Fretwell once more obstructed officers. He refused to supply waste switch notes or supply tickets regarding piles of sand containing shredded tyre rubber which had been current.

“Throughout visits on each 11 August and 16 August, Fretwell was extraordinarily abusive and hostile in the direction of the officers. On the second go to on 16 August 2023, this behaviour was captured on body-worn video, which was performed in courtroom.”

In mitigation, Fretwell stated he recognised that his behaviour on each events was unacceptable. He was fined £2,239 and ordered to pay prices of £11,272.

The EA spokesperson stated: “This behaviour was completely unacceptable. Officers had been finishing up their lawful duties to determine whether or not the location was appearing in accordance with environmental laws.

“Hostile, abusive or obstructive behaviour similar to that demonstrated on this case won’t deter us from exercising our powers to guard the surroundings and communities and guarantee a degree enjoying area throughout the industries we regulate.”

Anybody who needs to report an environmental incident ought to name 0800 807060 or contact Crimestoppers, in confidence, on-line or by calling 0800 555111.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by means of to worldwide championships.