Cheshire West and Chester Council has prosecuted a litterer found dropping a cigarette butt.
Enforcement officers found the offender during a routine anti-litter patrol in Chester and attempted to issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN). However, the man refused to give his detail and officers were unable to issue the FPN.
The penalty would have been £50 had it been paid within seven days, after which it rises to £75 and must be paid within 14 days.
However, Wayne Tamplin, 59, was prosecuted for littering and for a second offence of failing to provide his name and address to an authorised officer when asked to do so.
At Chester Magistrates’ Court, Tamplin was fined a total of £460, including a fine of £120 for littering, a fine of £120 for failing to give his name and address, costs of £200 and a £20 victim surcharge.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore, said:
“Littering is always considered to be one of the most important issues to our residents.
“Our Street Care Pledge sets out our commitment to maintain clean and tidy streets across the borough.
“We had no option but to issue court proceedings against this person when he withheld his name and address – and refused to pay the initial fine.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise companies and individuals at any stage of an environmental offence, including charges relating to fly tipping, littering, polluting watercourses, fisheries offences, waste carrier offences, air pollution, noise pollution or misuse of permitted land.
There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation by the Environment Agency or local authority and before charges are brought.
For expert legal advice on all environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.