TWO directors of waste recycling firm Wormtech will have to wait to discover how much compensation they should pay for environmental offences.

Jacqueline Powell of Manor Way Cardiff, and Jonathan Westwood of Huntsman Chase Preston, allowed leachate, a chemical containing e-coli and salmonella, to leak out of the Caerwent site, polluting the soil and causing a potential danger to aquatic life and livestock.

The food waste recycling centre was used by a number of local authorities, including Monmouthshire County Council.

Both were given suspended jail sentences in February 2014 for failing to comply with the conditions of an environmental permit.

The pair appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday (23rd February) to give evidence about their involvement in the company as part of the proceeds of crime act (POCA). Powell held 91 shares at the company while Westwood held five shares.

The trial will decide how much each director will have to pay back to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Despite the difference in ownership of shares between Powell and Westwood, it was agreed both made fundamental decisions in the running of the company.

The court heard how Powell bought shares on behalf of Westwood based on an agreement Powell would sell her shares to him when he acquired enough funds. This option was never exercised.

Westwood disputed this claim and said he was interested only in the shares his father held within the company rather than Powell's. He said: "My interest was in the shares my father held, that's what I was focused around."

Judge Neil Bidder QC said: "Powell by far had the greater share of control of the company. She was by far the greater shareholder. However, while she was the main controller, she was not the sole controller. Mr Westwood was also in control."

After a two day trial, court was adjourned until Thursday 30th April to receive further reports from police and counsel.