Businessman prosecuted for waste offences that led to formaldehyde spill

A Middlesbrough businessman has been handed a suspended prison for waste offences that led to a fire and chemical spill and cost insurers £500,000 to clean up.

Brian Hannon, former managing director of Melbray Chemicals Ltd, which has since gone into liquidation, pleading guilty to two offences at Teesside Crown Court on 16 November. He sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.