Scotland has been labelled a "soft touch" for polluters because the fines for environmental crimes imposed by Scottish courts are 36% lower than in England and Wales.
A new report by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) reveals that the average fine for pollution offences in 2011-12 was £5926, compared with £9336 south of the Border.
Environmentalists say this makes it easier for criminals to get away with wrecking the environment in Scotland. Sepa accepts there is a problem, but insists it is being tackled.
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