1st October 2025
A scrap metal dealer has been ordered to pay more than £1,100 after being found operating without the required licence.
Thomas Shurety, 26 years old of 1 Hillside View, Chinnor, Oxon, OX39 4DE, pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court, on 19 September 2025, to failing to produce the required documentation relating to waste and scrap metal activities.
The District Judge heard how on 23 February 2025, Thomas Shurety was caught transporting controlled waste in Park Street, Thame, without the necessary high-tier waste carrier’s license.
Between 22 May 2023 and 23 February 2025, Thomas Shurety operated as a scrap metal dealer, however he did not hold the legally required higher tier scrap metal licence. He also received scrap metal without verifying customers details and failed to record and keep all records of the scrap metal he received.
Mr Shurety claimed he was unaware that he was required to have the high-tier licences. However, his Facebook business page included information indicating that he had the appropriate licences.
During the interview under caution on 4 March 2025, Mr Shurety admitted that he did not possess the required documentation, apart from a few receipts. As a result, he had failed to maintain proper records and was operating without the necessary licences.
In court, the District Judge acknowledged that such offences carry unlimited fines but ultimately deemed that Mr Shurety had been negligent, rather than committing a deliberate or reckless act.
After taking Mr Shurety’s early guilty plea and financial circumstances into account, the District Judge imposed a fine of £562 and ordered him to pay £380 costs and a victim surcharge of £220. Total to pay £1,164.
Cllr Sam James-Lawrie, Cabinet Member for Environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Anyone involved in waste or scrap metal activities must ensure they are fully compliant with the law. Proper licensing and record-keeping are essential to protect our communities and the environment and we will act against those caught ignoring these responsibilities.”
