But let off with a slap on the wrist

In July 2004, a farmer spread pig slurry on a field during wet weather, contrary to all guidance on the management of farm waste. The rain washed the slurry straight into two waterways, the Caldon Canal and a tributary of Staffordshire’s River Churnet, killing over 10,000 fish, including roach, perch, pike and carp. The Environment Agency classified the pollution as a Category 1 incident and had to pay for remedial action. The farmer’s penalty? A ‘Formal Caution’. No prosecution and no fine. It was left to the Anglers’ Conservation Association, a not-for-profit organisation, to bring legal action and successfully recover £15,000 from the polluter on behalf of the affected angling club. The money is being used by the local community to restore the river.