Farmer Convicted at Newry Court

25 April 2017 10:10

Mr William Morton, 125 Ballyards Road, Armagh pleaded guilty at Newry Court on 21 April 2017 to two offences under the Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006, of connecting to a public water main without consent and tampering with a water meter. He was fined £800 on each offence with an offender’s levy fee of £15 and £37 court costs. In addition, the Court imposed a compensation order of £12,834.19, as well as Legal Costs of £900.00.

 

NI Water attended the farm on 27 May 2016 and found an illegal connection used by Mr Morton to supply unmeasured mains water to the property.

 

It is an offence to connect to the water or sewerage network without the consent of NI Water.  This is not a ‘victimless crime’.  This reckless action has the potential to contaminate water supplies or lead to pollution incidents.

NI Water takes any interference with its network and meter tampering very seriously and seeks to bring the perpetrators to court when identified.  NI Water will also seek to back bill perpetrators for up to six years’ water charges.

NI Water would appeal to the public to be vigilant. If you are aware of anyone who has or is making an illegal connection to the water or sewerage network, we would urge you to report this to NI Water’s dedicated Waterline on 03457 440088.

 

Notes to editor

• Northern Ireland Water’s Compliance Investigation Team was established on 1/1/2016. The team conducts investigations into cases of suspected unauthorised connections and meter tampering perpetrated against NI Water works.

 

• The offence took place at a farm owned by Mr William Morton 125, Ballyards Road, Armagh.

 

Ends

 

All media enquiries to NI Water press office at press.office@niwater.com or phone 02890 354710.