A TONNE of dumped rubbish has landed a former tree surgeon with a legal bill of more than £1,600.
Rugby Borough Council launched an investigation after receiving a report of fly-tipping at an industrial estate in Kiln Way, Shilton on September 28, 2014.
Officers studied CCTV footage which linked a van belonging to Matthew Mannion, a former tree surgeon from Bedworth, to the fly-tipping.
They also found further evidence in the dumped rubbish – including a letter to Mr Mannion’s girlfriend.
Officers tried repeatedly to contact Mannion, but when he failed to respond the council decided to prosecute.
And at Nuneaton Magistrates Court on Monday (March 16), Mannion pleaded guilty to a charge of being in control of a vehicle used in fly-tipping.
The 28-year-old, of Pinetree Road, told the court he was banned from driving and had rented his van to a number of people.
Mannion was fined £330 and was ordered to pay £1,270 costs and a £33 victim surcharge.
Rugby Borough Council’s environment spokeswoman Coun Sally Bragg said: “This successful prosecution further demonstrates the council’s commitment to operate a zero-tolerance policy on fly-tipping.
“Our environmental protection team thoroughly investigates all cases reported to the council and, when we gather sufficient evidence, we have no hesitation in taking the offenders to court.”
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/app for the council’s mobile phone app, which can be used to report fly-tipping.
Alternatively, email [email protected] or call (01788) 533857.
