Wingate scrap dealer faces hefty fine for dealing with stolen copper

EDGWARE (Scrap Monster): Charles Newton-the person who runs the family operated scrap dealership-Newton Metal Recycling, has been arrested after being found dealing with stolen copper. The 66-year old businessman has been fined £60,000 by the local judge Colin Burn. The person should pay £50,000 as the proceeds of the crime and another £10,000 in police costs. In case of failure in paying the above sum, the culprit will have to face 16 months imprisonment.

According to reports, uninformed police officers who visited the Wingate scrap metal yard before had warned Newton not to indulge in trade of stolen copper. Later, as part of the police operation, undercover officers offered him copper cables which were clearly marked as belonging to telecommunications giant BT. The police caught him red-handed while accepting the stolen material for cash.

As per court records, the same person was given a suspended prison sentence at Durham Crown Court in March of this year after he admitted handling stolen goods.

Another employee who was involved in the act, Christopher Frizzell, 29, was ordered to pay £540 as the proceeds of crime.