AN illegal scrap metal dealer has been fined more than £1,000 by the court.

Stephen Monaghan, from Bewsey, was seen driving a vehicle carrying scrap metal in December last year.

When questioned, the 56-year-old admitted that he had been collecting scrap metal but thought that he had a licence.

Monaghan, of Higham Avenue, had previously held a licence – but this had expired nearly two years earlier in February 2017.

He failed to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 19, and was found guilty of operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence in his absence.

Magistrates fined Monaghan £1,000, ordered him to pay court costs of £550 and told him to pay a victim surcharge of £100.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that illegal scrap metal dealing in Warrington will not be tolerated.

“We will continue to crack down on this illegal activity to protect our residents.

“This man’s actions also undermine legitimate scrap metal collectors operating within Warrington.”