THREE directors of a Caerwent waste recycling firm were given suspended jail sentences last Thursday (13th February).

Newport Crown Court heard how the directors allowed leachate, a chemical containing e-coli and salmonella, to leak out of the site, polluting the soil and causing a potential danger to aquatic life and livestock.

There was overwhelming evidence of pollution in the soil around the site and clear evidence of earthworms killed by the leachate.

Kelly Jarman, a permit regulator for the Environment Agency, visited the site and said it was the worst she'd ever visited. In the year 2011 to 2012 it was the worst performing site in both England and Wales.

Judge Neil Bidder QC said simple measures weren't taken to prevent the leachate escaping. He said the company was not prepared to spend additional money to ensure the safety of the site.

Jacqueline Powell, 58, was found guilty of consenting or conniving as a director of a company in the commission of an offence and three counts of failing to comply with a condition of an environmental permit.

Powell, of Manor Way, Cardiff, was given a 12-month suspended jail sentence, suspended for a year, and 250 hours of unpaid community service.

Jonathan Westwood, 38, from Wordsworth Road, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to comply with an environmental permit.

He was given a 32-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months and 150 hours unpaid community service.

Robert Baynton, 42, also pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to comply with an environmental permit and was given a 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months.

Baynton's ill-health spared him community service.

Judge Bidder said: "You were all on clear notice that urgent steps should be taken to avoid the risk of pollution.

"Mrs Powell, you refused to accept full responsibility and accused Kelly Jarman of making unreasonable demands. You were given warning after warning and chance after chance."

All three were banned from becoming directors of a company. Powell was banned for five years, Westwood for three years and Baynton for two years.