AN illegal scrap metal dealer has to pay more than £1,600 after claiming in his online adverts that he was licensed.

It is the sixth successful prosecution in a row for waste and environment officers at Wiltshire Council for illegal scrap dealing ion the county.

Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, transport and waste said, “This prosecution sends a clear message that illegal scrap metal dealing in Wiltshire will not be tolerated and we will continue to crack down on this illegal activity to protect the residents of Wiltshire from rogue traders."

Gary Cooper, 54 of Oaktree Field Caravan Site, Odstock Road, Salisbury pleaded guilty to being an unlicensed scrap metal dealer. He was ordered to pay fines, costs and victim surcharge totalling of £1,630 by Salisbury Magistrates.

He was previously prosecuted by the council in March last year for offences when he targeted a vulnerable adult and again in July 2018 by New Forest District Council for fly-tipping.

People are advised by the council to be cautious of cash for scrap operators and can report anyone they believe is an illegal dealer using the My Wiltshire online reporting tool at wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online-reporting.