Man who treated city as 'dumping ground' sentenced

A man who treated a city "like his own personal dumping ground" has been sentenced after his crimes were exposed by dashcam videos.

John Sheridan of Park Royal in London received a 30-week jail sentence suspended for two years after dumping waste, including a bath, carpets and a fridge freezer, at locations across Gloucester.

Gloucester City Council said it brought Sheridan, 42, before court after video evidence was submitted by the public, and he pleaded guilty to all five offences of knowingly depositing waste.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, council leader, said the case "highlights the vital role residents can play in tackling environmental crime".

A council spokesperson said Sheridan treated Gloucester "like his own personal dumping ground" and repeatedly blighted the city when he fly-tipped his rubbish in broad daylight.

Sheridan committed the offences between 31 May 2025 and 23 July 2025.

He dumped rubbish at Green Farm in Winnycroft Lane, Westgate Street Car Park, Station Road, the A430 at Castlemeads, and in Norbury Avenue.

The van Sheridan used to commit the crimes was subsequently seized and crushed and One Legal acted on behalf of the council to prosecute him.

Sheridan pleaded guilty to all five offences on 3 August 2026, and was sentenced on Monday.

The sentence comprised six weeks' imprisonment for each offence, with the terms running consecutively to give a total sentence of 30 weeks, and Sheridan was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a victim surcharge of £187.

Sheridan was also ordered to undertake 20 rehabilitation activity days with probation.

Hilton said fly-tipping harms the environment, undermines neighbourhood pride, and costs taxpayers thousands of pounds each year to clear up.

"We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone who chooses to dispose of waste illegally," Hilton said.

"This prosecution sends a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Gloucester."

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