Because some of the old devices were not completely emptied, the man had to answer to the criminal court on Tuesday for intentionally endangering the environment. He did not feel guilty: “Everything has been cleared away now,” he asserted. A witness contradicted him, and the defendant was sentenced to three months’ probation.
Danger to the environment
According to the prosecution, the accused had been storing all sorts of things on his property for at least two years. Some of these were classified by an expert as a possible threat to the environment. The farmer did not feel guilty in any way and strongly objected: “The tanks of the trucks were emptied or removed, the cars had oil pans underneath and I emptied the barrels, there was no oil residue in them, but spirit. I need them for the mash.” Four canisters of old cooking oil were intended “for filling up the tractor” and he wanted to remove the old car batteries anyway. However, according to the public prosecutor, they had been on his property for at least two years.
Multiple complaints
Although there had already been several complaints, the old vehicles were still there in June. “You can see bulky waste, glass bottles, boxes, building rubble,” said Judge Julia Riffel, looking at a photo of the property. A car was also visible. “The Golf is dry now,” emphasized the defendant, referring once again to an oil pan. Incidentally, one part was “brand new equipment that I need for work.” “There’s also an old refrigerator there,” the judge pointed out. “Yes, the tools are in there,” came the reply.
Judgment not final
“If all of this is stored for a long time, it will endanger the environment,” the chairwoman explained. “In the long term, yes, but I have already cleared most of it away,” the farmer assured. A police officer who has been dealing with the case for years said: “A few things have been cleared away, but new things have also been added.” The authorities know that the man has the will, but not the money for proper disposal. According to his own statements, he collects some of the junk “from the forest” to then dismantle it and sell it. “You are not a waste disposal company,” the police officer warned him in court, stressing: “You can’t just put an old truck on your field.” “It’s my field,” the accused showed little understanding.
He was sentenced to three months’ suspended prison sentence. The defendant continued to show no remorse after the verdict. He announced that he would appeal. The verdict is not final.
