A Dunfermline businessman illegally dumped asbestos waste at an industrial estate close to a primary school, a nursing home and residential properties.

Glen Burt, who runs a garage renovation and building services business, was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work yesterday for his actions that were captured on CCTV at Aberhill Industrial Estate in Methil.

He previous pled guilty to illegally disposing of asbestos on July 4.

The fly-tipping came to light when a routine patrol by an estate employee found what appeared to be old asbestos sheeting at the rear of an industrial unit.

CCTV footage showed Burt deposing sheets on June 13, 2016, from the rear of his white Ford transit van.

The cost of removing the waste fell to the landowner.

The waste contained asbestos types Crocidolite and Chrysotile and in the event that the asbestos fibres became airborne, it posed a risk to human health by inhalation.

SEPA officers investigated the case and interviewed Burt about the incident. They identified him as the man in the CCTV footage.

Sara Shaw, Procurator Fiscal, Wildlife and Environment said: "Fly-tipping can cause serious pollution of our environment and can be harmful to human health and wildlife.

"It is unsightly and costly to clear up.

"Graeme Burt showed a lack of consideration for the environment and the potential health of others by his deliberate and criminal action.

"There is no excuse for illegal dumping, especially of hazardous wastes such as asbestos, and those who choose to engage in it will be brought to account for their actions."