Jake Daniel Harkin, 31, of Willow Street, Bury, Greater Manchester, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of fly-tipping at The Halo, one of Rossendale’s most -loved landmarks.
Harkin was identified following a series of incidents in September 2025, when large quantities of household waste, including sofas, chairs, wardrobes, carpets, and beds, were dumped at The Halo on Cribden End Lane, Haslingden. Initial investigations showed the waste had originated from the Bury, Bolton and Rochdale areas.
The first incident, on 18th September 2025, involved a substantial pile of mixed household waste. Rossendale Borough Council operatives removed the waste and Enforcement Officers from the Public Protection Unit launched a criminal investigation.
Just four days later, on 22nd September, a second load of similar waste was dumped at the same location. This time the incident was witnessed, and the registration number of a large van used to transport the waste was recorded.
A third incident occurred on 27th September, when the same vehicle was seen depositing further waste. The incident was captured on video, providing crucial evidence.
Harkin appeared before Burnley Magistrates’ Court on 7th April 2026, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of fly-tipping. On Monday 1st June 2026, he received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay £1,054 in prosecution costs, £354 compensation towards the cost of clearing the waste, and a £145 victim surcharge – a total of £1,553.
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Lead Member for Environmental and Corporate Services, said: “This is an excellent sentence and we welcome the court’s firm approach. Rossendale is a beautiful place and the vast majority of people take real pride in looking after it. It’s only a small number who choose to spoil our countryside, and this case shows that when they do, we will ensure they face the consequences. Our team work tirelessly to protect Rossendale’s landscapes, and we will continue to take strong action against anyone who dumps waste illegally.”
You can report fly-tipping on our website easily here: https://www.rossendale.gov.uk/environment/report-fly-tipping