Ref: PR 3298
Date: 19/01/2012
Wakefield Council is warning that it will continue to take tough action against fly tippers after a successful court prosecution.
A Leeds resident was given 100 hours’ community service and ordered to pay clean up costs of £548.05 after pleading guilty to illegally tipping waste in Lawns Lane, Wakefield, in June last year.
He appeared before a District Judge sitting at Wakefield Magistrates’ Court who heard the action brought by Wakefield Council.
An off-duty police officer spotted two men removing rubbish from the back of a truck and dumping it in the centre of Lawns Lane at Lofthouse, blocking the road with a six-foot high pile of bin bags, which were then set alight.
The fire brigade were called and, with Wakefield Council, removed the rubbish to the roadside to allow access.
The owner of the truck was tracked down and subsequently prosecuted, appearing in court yesterday (Wed).
Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: "This was a significant incident which completed blocked the road in an area where people enjoy walking.
"It needed attention by the police, fire brigade and Council and it is simply just unacceptable, particularly as the offender lives in Leeds and came into Wakefield to tip the rubbish.
"I am delighted that the court took this seriously and handed out a substantial penalty which backs up our strong message that we will not tolerate fly-tipping in this district."
Illegal fly tipping should be reported on 0845 8 506 506
