Apple core accused faces jury trial

A woman accused of tossing an apple core from her car on to the pavement has had her case committed to Wolverhampton Crown Court for trial by jury.

Kate Badger, aged 26, from Tettenhall, made a five-minute appearance at the city’s magistrates court yesterday where she spoke only to confirm her name and address.

Her solicitor Hockham Singh Suthi said she would be denying the charge when she goes before the higher court next month.

Wolverhampton City Council wanted to fine the mother-of-three £60 for the offence, allegedly committed on March 19 last year.

She faces an unlimited fine or up to five years in prison if found guilty of the charge, which states she threw “controlled waste” from a Volkswagen Golf while parked in Bilston Street outside River Island.

The promotions worker, of Cornwall Road, is also accused of failing to supply information required by the waste regulation authority on June 26 last year. She is also denying this charge.

Miss Badger, who wore a short black coat, black leggings and brown suede boots, was given unconditional bail until the crown court hearing on March 12.

Afterwards she spoke of her determination to see the case through.

“I didn’t do it and I’m going to fight to the bitter end to prove it,” she said.

The case made national headlines after Miss Badger openly criticised the council’s action as a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“I think it’s a ridiculous charge because apples are biodegradable and it’s not like we are talking about a huge bag of rubbish,” she said. “The council has taken it to court and they have been to photograph my car. I’m being treated like a criminal.”

The authority has issued a statement in relation to the case, making it clear they too intend to stand their corner.

Spokesman Tim Clark said: “Authorised officers of the council can issue £60 fixed penalty notices to anyone seen dropping litter.

“A fixed penalty notice is issued in preference to a court summons for littering offences as there is no criminal record recorded if the fine is paid, and the penalty is less than that of conviction for littering.”

Miss Badger has chosen to face a jury, even though a guilty verdict could see her jailed and separated from sons Christopher, eight, Daniel, five, and Callum, four.