Rhys Meggy represented a well-known electrical engineering multinational prosecuted by the Environment Agency in relation to environmental and health and safety failings. The company pleaded guilty after a three year investigation. The allegations arose from the unlawful release of greenhouse gases from high voltage switchgear during their installation at a major marine development.
Despite the company's nine-figure turnover, Rhys successfully argued that exceptionally the Court should depart from the £60,000 starting point prescribed by the Environmental Offences Sentencing Guidelines in light of regulatory changes post-dating the offence. The company received a fine of £3,000.
Rhys appeared alone instructed by Charles Thomson and Emily Tilden-Smith of Baker & McKenzie.