Trelawny farmer fined for water theft

Leon Madden, the Trelawny farmer who was found to have an "extensive" network of illegal water connections on his farm earlier this year, was found guilty when he appeared before the court. 

The court fined Madden $5,000 for trespassing on the works of the National Water Commission (NWC) and $100,000 for unlawful taking of water.  

Earlier this year, during an operation by the NWC to clamp down on theft, an illegal connection was discovered on Madden’s farm in Green Park, Trelawny.

Madden had what was described by Horace Binns, Revenue Recovery Manager for Trelawny and St James, as a “sophisticated and extensive network of illegal connection", including two large tanks in which water was stored, as well as a pump that was seized. 

Persons who have illegal supplies are being encouraged to contact the NWC to regularise and avoid prosecution.

"It is better to visit our office and take the necessary steps to become a legal customer, than for us to find the illegal supply at your premises", said Binns.

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