Firm guilty in river spill case

A 15-mile stretch of the Slea was affected in February 2003

A Lincolnshire firm and three men have been found guilty of causing pollution which killed thousands of fish.

About 100,000 fish and other aquatic life died when a pesticide was washed into the River Slea in February 2003.

Marque Technology in Sleaford, now Dormcrown Southern Ltd, and director Gareth Toogood of Godmanchester had denied being responsible.

Prosecutor Charles Miskin said the insecticide got into the river after drums were cleared into a drain.

'Difficult investigation'

Contractors Michael Raynor of Moor Park, Ruskington and Gordon Bristow of Vicarage Lane, Helpringham were also found guilty of causing poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter controlled waters.

Judge Jonathan Lea, speaking at Lincoln Crown Court, said he believed the pollution was caused by poor practice rather than being a deliberate act.

The Environment Agency's John Giles said after the verdict: "It has been a long and difficult investigation but we are glad the jury has come back with the verdict they have.

"When you have in excess of 120,000 fish dying it is very significant - and certainly we can't compare it with anything that has happened in Lincolnshire previously."

Sentencing was adjourned until 10 March.