Business owner sentenced following environmental offences in Dudley

Dudley Council's Environmental Health Team investigated Wai Kit Pang following his unlawful operation of an alloy wheel refurbishment business.

On 1 July, Mr Pang was sentenced to 22 months' imprisonment, at Wolverhampton Crown Court after previously pleading guilty in February.

The court heard that Mr Pang established the business in 2018, carrying out refurbishment work on alloy wheels for motor vehicles. The process involved stripping wheels both mechanically and through the use of a strong acidic chemical paint stripper and solvent known as EFX Strip.

Environmental regulations place strict controls on the use of hazardous substances, including EFX Strip, and require operators to obtain an environmental permit when prescribed usage thresholds are exceeded.

The prosecution brought by Dudley Council established that the business had operated above the permitted threshold without the required environmental authorisation and that these unlawful activities had continued for at least five years.

The court also imposed a 10-year Directors' Disqualification Order, preventing Mr Pang from acting as a company director during that period.

In addition, the court ordered that Mr Pang be subject to a confiscation enquiry under proceeds of crime legislation, with further proceedings scheduled to take place on 25 January 2027.

Councillor Daniel Bevan, cabinet member for development and regulation, said:

"This case demonstrates the council's commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring businesses operate within the law.

“Environmental regulations exist to safeguard public health, local communities and the environment, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where those requirements are deliberately ignored.

"I would like to thank our officers for their thorough investigation and professionalism throughout this lengthy case. I would also like to recognise the invaluable support provided by the council's legal services team, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in securing this successful prosecution.

"This sentencing sends a clear message that businesses must comply with environmental legislation and obtain the necessary permits when undertaking activities involving hazardous substances."