Following an extensive investigation by the Environment Agency, two landowners in rural Lincolnshire have been sentenced for allowing an illegal waste site to operate on their property and failing to take action to prevent it.
The sentencing, which took place at Nottingham Crown Court on December 16, concerned the illegal waste site located on Fen Lane, Long Bennington. The landowners, Marc Greenfield and James Baggaley received suspended prison sentences and were ordered to clear the waste from their land at an estimated cost of £2.5 million by September 2025.
Sentences and Court Findings
Marc Greenfield was sentenced to 19 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, while James Baggaley received a 20-month sentence, also suspended for 18 months. The court found their actions to be deliberate. Judge Coupland highlighted that both men lied to local residents and attempted to conceal the illegal activities, with Greenfield also providing false information to investigators. The site, once a grassy area, had transformed into a “smoking wasteland,” posing significant risks to nearby residents from toxic fumes.
Operation Lord: The Investigation
The investigation, known as Operation Lord, involved months of meticulous evidence gathering by Environment Agency officers. Intelligence revealed the site was regularly receiving lorry-loads of shredded waste, which was burned and buried daily. The illegal activity intensified during the first Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, prompting urgent action.
In April 2020, Environment Agency officers, supported by Lincolnshire Police, conducted a raid on the site. During the operation, two individuals were arrested, and an excavator and lorry actively depositing waste were seized.
Wider Case Implications
This sentencing marks the latest development in a broader case that has led to charges against 12 individuals and one company. Of these, 10 defendants pleaded guilty, while the remaining three were found guilty following an eight-week trial that concluded in June 2024. In October, nine defendants were sentenced, including three members of the Canner family who were identified as key figures in operating the illegal site. Paul Canner, aged 53, received a 26-month prison sentence, while Judith Canner, aged 55, and Joshua Canner, aged 29, each received 16-month sentences.
Environmental and Community Impact
Leigh Edlin, Area Director for Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire at the Environment Agency, emphasized the seriousness of the crime: “This was a highly organized illegal waste site involving multiple offenders. Those responsible sought to exploit Covid restrictions for profit, causing significant environmental harm and distress to the local community.”
Edlin added that the agency remains committed to tackling serious waste crimes and working alongside partners, including the police, fire services, and local councils, to hold offenders accountable.
Residents are urged to report any suspected illegal waste activities to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline at 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Background on Sentencing
James Baggaley aged 38 of Back Lane, Foston Found guilty in June 2024 of knowingly permitting waste deposit and the operation of an illegal waste site between October 2019 and April 2022. Sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to remove the waste by September 2025.
Marc Greenfield aged 46 of Fosse Road, Brough: Pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting the operation of the illegal waste site during the same period. Sentenced to 19 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and also ordered to clear the waste by September 2025.
Both landowners are required to provide progress reports to the Environment Agency every two months to ensure compliance with the court order.