A resident has been fined and ordered to pay costs following a council investigation into fly-tipping in the Fairfield and Howley area of Warrington.
Angelica Larissa Smaranda, of Dalton Bank, Warrington, pleaded guilty to offences at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.
The case followed reports of waste being dumped at Dalton Bank, a residential street in Fairfield and Howley. A council investigation identified evidence linking a number of the items to the defendant. During proceedings, the defendant admitted responsibility for placing a quantity of waste at the location.
The court heard that the initial waste deposited contributed to further items being added by others, significantly increasing the scale of the incident and the impact on the local area. The council also confirmed that it had incurred costs in clearing the waste.
Despite opportunities to engage with the council’s enquiries during the investigation, the defendant failed to cooperate, resulting in the matter being progressed through the courts.
The Magistrates Court found the defendant’s actions to be reckless and issued a financial penalty. Taking into account an early guilty plea, the court imposed a fine of £120, along with a victim surcharge of £48 and costs of £620, bringing the total to £788. A collection order was put in place.
The case highlights that fly-tipping offences will be pursued and can result in criminal conviction, regardless of the scale of the initial waste involved.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, said: “Fly-tipping has a serious impact on communities, and it will not be tolerated. We proactively investigate reports of fly-tipping and pursue offenders to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
“In instances where individuals fail to engage with the council despite being implicated in an offence, we will use all the powers at our disposal to take the matter forward so we can tackle fly-tipping and the problems it causes.
“Anyone with information relating to a fly-tipping incident should report it to the council, providing as much information as possible”.
Residents can provide any information in relation to fly-tipping incidents via the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/flytipping.
For more information about licences and permits, visit warrington.gov.uk/licencesandpermits
