Guilty plea after Herefordshire Council enforcement officers investigate fly tipping in the countryside
Nicola Sheehan pleaded guilty to a breach of the Environmental Protection Act at a hearing held at Hereford Magistrates Court in October.
Sheehan was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £34 for dumping waste in Herefordshire.
Magistrates learned by video link how the former Hereford resident had unlawfully tipped domestic waste in woodland in Aconbury. During the investigation by the council’s community protection team, Sheehan denied the charges and refused to cooperate with the enforcement officers. However, evidence was shown that led to this successful prosecution last month.
David Hough, Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards service manager, said:
“Unlawful waste disposal and fly tipping costs council tax payers tens of thousands of pounds each year. Residents and businesses should ensure they are transferring the waste to an authorised person who will dispose of the waste legally. Anyone found fly tipping will be prosecuted.”
Herefordshire Council’s community protection team regularly carry out spot checks on waste carriers. They investigate unlawful waste disposal and fly tipping cases reported via the council’s website or by calling 01432 261761.
Visit: herefordshire.gov.uk/recycling for information about responsible waste disposal for residents and businesses.