Help - I Might Be Jailed For 10 Years!

[wiltsman]

Any advice please?

Here in Wiltshire, if we need to take some rubbish to the local tip ....... sorry, Household Recycling Centre, we have to book a 15 minute slot online.

I'm informed that if I fail to obey all the rules and regulations when booking a slot, it means I would be breaking the law, which could mean possibly being locked up for 10 years and/or a fine of £5,000.

This is an extract from the Wiltshire Council Recycling site of what could happen if I break the law: On conviction, this offence is liable to penalties in the Magistrates Court of imprisonment for up to 12 months or a fine of £5,000 (or both) and to penalties in the Crown Court of imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine (or both).

They didn't explain what would incur these penalties, but I'm getting worried. What if I turn up 5 minutes late, or maybe fail to bring evidence of identity? Is it worth me booking a slot - I don't fancy 10 years inside?

[THECORBYLOON]

Can you not sell some of the stuff intended for the dump? That way, you can raise some money toward the possible £10,000 fine.

[New Judge]

//On conviction, this offence is liable to penalties in the Magistrates Court of imprisonment for up to 12 months or a fine of £5,000 (or both)...//

It's incorrect on two counts:

1. The maximum custodial sentence that a Magistrates Court can impose for a single offence is 6 months.

2. Since March 2015 there has been no maximum of £5,000 in the Magistrates Court. Offences have maximum fines expressed as "Levels". The five levels are:

Level 1: £200
Level 2: £500
Level 3: £1,000
Level 4: £2,500
Level 5: Unlimited

Before March 13th 2015 Level 5 had a maximum of £5,000.

This notice typifies the way "Maximum sentences" are used to put the fear of God into the public. Local Authorities are masters of the art. Should anybody transgress when participating in this ridiculous scheme and should the matter reach a Magistrates' Court a Conditional Discharge is the most likely outcome. This particular law is designed to cope with fraudulent activity by criminals who aim to make false statements to dishonestly obtain cash or goods. It's not designed to punish somebody filling in a form for an "appointment" to dump a sofa. A simple notice such as "It is a criminal offence to knowingly make a false statement when filling in this form." Suggesting they can be imprisoned for ten years is simply laughable.

[wiltsman]

Phew! - Thank you New Judge.

Thanks to you, I might sleep a little easier tonight!

[zebo]

Where do you live that you have to book a slot at the tip???? I go when Waitrose is open so it does tend to cost me an arm and a leg, though I get a free Times!

[Theland]

https://youtu.be/m57gzA2JCcM
You wouldn't be the first to feel the long arm of the law at the local dump :-)

[1ozzy]

//Nip down to B&M and stock up on soap and shampoo, just in case.//

Do yourself a favour and buy "soap on a rope"

Don't bend over whilst doing porridge.

[Theland]

And cake with a file baked in.

[1ozzy]

Date cake?

[ynnafymmi]

One solution could be that when you go to the recycling centre go down on one knee and raise your fist in the air and shout out"black power",you will be welcomed in and garlanded and entertained to tea and cakes while "whitey"unloads all your recyclables.Sorted.

[DTCwordfan]

Just dump it outside the entrance and let them handle it.