NEWS STORY : Matthew Berry Receives Suspended Jail Term for Operating Illegal Waste Site in Lincolnshire

STORY

Matthew Berry, 46, of Ivy House Farm, Blyborough, near Gainsborough, has been sentenced to a 36-week suspended prison term for operating an illegal waste site at Thorpe Farm, Skendleby, in East Lindsey. Berry, the sole director of SBR Foxhills Limited, took control of the site in April 2021 with the intention of purchasing it. Despite the absence of an environmental permit, he began a clearance operation, which included moving baled waste and waste vehicles. Instead of properly disposing of the waste, Berry dumped it on a porous concrete pad with inadequate drainage, leading to environmental degradation.

The Environment Agency attempted to work with Berry, advising him on proper waste disposal and requesting waste transfer notes. However, Berry failed to comply and continued to operate the site illegally. During one inspection, he also verbally abused an Environment Agency officer and added he hoped the official got cancer.

At Lincoln Crown Court on 7 May 2025, Her Honour Judge Sjolin Knight described Berry’s approach as “arrogant and bullish” noting his disregard for environmental laws. In addition to the suspended sentence, Berry was ordered to pay £5,000 in costs and a £154 surcharge. His company, SBR Foxhills Limited, was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £29,626.35 in costs and a £190 surcharge. A confiscation order of £45,000 was also imposed, representing the proceeds from the crime. Berry faces up to 12 months in prison if the sum remains unpaid after three months.