Skip hire boss ordered to pay back cash after waste crime

A Merseyside skip hire boss has been ordered to pay back £250,000 after she was found to have profited from illegal waste crime.

The Environment Agency secured the confiscation order against:- Patricia Hills, 72, of Redfern Street, Bootle, after she was previously jailed for operating MWM Recycling Ltd illegally.

The confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act took place, at Liverpool Crown Court, on:- Monday, 1 September 2025.

Hills was given 3 months to pay the order or she faces up to 3 years in jail. She was also ordered to pay £25,000 costs.

The hearing followed the conviction of Hills for illegal waste activity. At Liverpool Crown Court, in March 2022, she was jailed for a year and banned from being a Company Director for 5 years.

Jeni Brittlebank, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said:- "This sends out a message to the industry that waste crime does not pay and not only will we hit people with Court action, but we'll hit them in the pocket. Illegal waste operations carried out in the interests of profit are at the expense of the environment, put communities at risk and undermine legitimate businesses that work within the law. We'll continue to disrupt and take action against those operating outside the regulations."

In the original case, Mrs Hills was in control of MWM Recycling Ltd. Following an extensive investigation by the Environment Agency, the company had its environmental permit revoked after a series of breaches, and were issued with an enforcement notice to clear the land of waste.

Despite this, waste continued to be stored and illegally burned.

Hills' son, Mark Hills, 48, of Redfern Street, Bootle, who ran the day, to day, site operations, was jailed for:- 8 months.

The Environment Agency secured a confiscation order against him for:- £40,000, in:- December 2024, and this has since been paid.

New films highlight the role of Skills for Wellbeing and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in mental health recovery

MERSEY Care's Talking Therapies service has released a series of new short films aimed at demystifying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and helping people understand when, and how, they might access it as part of their mental health journey.

The films, presented by therapists from the service, explains that CBT is a Step 3 intervention; typically offered after individuals have tried Step 2 support such as computerised CBT without achieving meaningful recovery.

The therapist in the film describes CBT as a:- "change agent" helping people explore how their thoughts and behaviours influence their emotions. The film introduces the 5 Areas Model, which breaks down experiences into:- situation, thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours; offering a practical framework for understanding and managing mental health challenges.

"When we've been mentally unwell for a long time, our thinking and behaviour patterns can become invisible to us," the therapist explains. "CBT helps bring those patterns into the open so we can challenge and change them."

The Skills for Wellbeing course is designed to help people experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The films introduce viewers to Low Intensity CBT, which a 1st line treatment that empowers individuals to make immediate, practical changes to improve their mental health. By helping people understand how their thoughts and behaviours influence emotions and physical sensations, Low Intensity Therapy provides tools to help people break the vicious cycle of distress.

Although delivered in a group setting, it's not group therapy. There is no obligation to speak or share personal experiences, making it a safe and supportive space for learning. The course offers a comprehensive therapy:- "toolbox" that equips participants with techniques to manage symptoms now and in the future.

"CBT doesn't aim to eliminate symptoms entirely. Instead, it helps you understand what you can actively do to stop them from interfering with your day, to day, life." the film explains.

The film also explores the nature of depression and anxiety, explaining these are recognised mental health conditions; not personal failings; and that treatment is available. Participants have shared positive feedback, noting how the course has helped them feel more in control and less alone.

Please visit Mersey Care's website for more information and to watch the films. This resource is part of the Trust's commitment to empowering people with accessible, information about evidence based treatment for their anxiety and depression...

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):-

What are skills for wellbeing:-

How can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) help:-

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