A former skip hire boss who dumped rubbish in a Wilmington road which took several hours to clear has escaped an immediate prison sentence.

Alan Yarlett of Mill Road Dartford, admitted two charges of keeping controlled waste without a licence in September 2006 and one of depositing controlled waste without a licence.

Judge Michael Lawson QC, sitting at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, said government guidelines left him no option but to impose a six month jail term suspended for two years.

Conditions of Yarlett's suspended sentence include him being subject to a six-month electronically monitored curfew between 6pm and 6am and disqualified from driving for six months.

He must also pay £2,300 compensation to Dartford council at £15 a week to cover the cost of the clear-up operation in Rowhill Road, Wilmington, and land he used in Vauxhall Place, Dartford.

Judge Lawson told him he had “totally disregarded” regulations for financial gain. “Only a sentence of imprisonment will be imposed,” he continued.

“Sadly, the guidelines in your circumstances prevent me from imposing an immediate sentence, although that is what, in truth, I am sure a number of people would wish to do.”

For the full story see this Thursday's Dartford Messenger.