A Sheffield man has been handed a suspended prison sentence for operating an illegal waste site following a multi-year investigation by the Environment Agency.
Mohammed Tager appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 16 September 2026, where he was sentenced to 39 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. The court also ordered Tager to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay a total of £2,187, consisting of a £187 victim surcharge and a £2,000 contribution towards prosecution costs.
The proceedings follow a long-running probe into activities at the Former Stanley Works on Rutland Road. Environment Agency officers first visited the site on 7 July 2022, discovering a significant accumulation of unauthorised waste.
History of the Rutland Road site
During the investigation, the site was found to be storing a wide variety of mixed waste materials without the necessary permits. This included electrical items, mattresses, soil, and stones. The Environment Agency has since confirmed that the Rutland Road site has been fully cleared of all illegal deposits.
Tager was not the only party to face legal action in connection with the operation. On 15 April 2026, the site’s landlord, Concept Investments Limited, along with its director Austin Fitzgerald, were also sentenced for their involvement.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle waste crime in the region. Illegal waste sites can pose significant risks to the environment and undercut legitimate businesses that follow strict disposal regulations. According to YorkshireLive, the sentencing of Tager marks a conclusion to the enforcement actions regarding this specific location.
The Environment Agency maintains a 24-hour incident hotline for members of the public to report suspected illegal waste activity or environmental concerns. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 0800 807060.