Gravesham Borough Council is calling for stronger sentencing powers in fly-tipping cases after a Strood man behind one of the borough's worst offences received only a suspended sentence.
Jamie Broadmore, 41, admitted burning hundreds of tons of controlled waste, including hazardous and clinical items, on National Highways land.
Kent Fire and Rescue attended repeatedly as smoke disrupted the A2 and HS1 line, with firefighters facing aggression from the occupant and gas cannisters found among the waste.
Despite 16 previous convictions, Broadmore received six months' jail, suspended for 12 months, plus unpaid work and £1,000 compensation.
No costs were awarded, despite National Highways spending £150,000 on clean-up and Gravesham's investigation costing £4,840.
Council Leader Cllr John Burden called the result ‘dispiriting’ and urged Government action, backed by Lauren Sullivan MP, who said fly-tipping ‘is not a victimless crime.’
