A FARMER appeared before Bishop Auckland magistrates yesterday, charged with illegally dumping waste.

Marcus Leonard Nimmo, of Creebeck Farm, Neasham Road, Darlington, is accused of depositing bricks, tiles, plaster, guttering and wood on land at Lingfield Way, Darlington. The incident allegedly took place on September 2 without a waste management licence being in force.

Mr Nimmo, 51, also faces a charge of making a false statement in response to a notice served under the Environmental Protection Act. He denies both charges.

His case was adjourned until October 27