'We will do everything we can to track you down' - Fly tipper fined after dumping items including slippers in Wolverhampton
A suspected fly tipper who left personal details among the rubbish strewn on a local green space has been tracked down and prosecuted by City of Wolverhampton Council.
Packaging, plastic bottles and a pair of slippers were among the items left scattered on a pavement and grass verge at Holcroft Street off Ettingshall Road, Wolverhampton.
The fly tip was reported to the council in July last year by Midland Heart Housing Association who own the land. During the clear up, several letters addressed to Manuel Beghian were found.
The council’s environmental crime team then served Beghian with a notice under 108 of the Environment Act 1995, which required him to attend an appointment at the civic centre or to rearrange if he was unable to attend.
No contact was received and when he failed to attend the appointment, officers prosecuted.
Beghian, of Brown Street, Wolverhampton was found guilty in his absence of one obstruction charge under section 110 of The Environment Act 1995 for failing to comply with investigating officers’ requests for assistance.
Dudley Magistrates Court fined him £250, ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £100 and costs of £2,000 during a hearing on December 17.
The costs awarded to the council will be reinvested back into its environmental crime service.
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “There is simply no excuse for dumping waste in our streets.
“Anyone thinking of carrying out this unpleasant crime should know that we will do everything we can to track you down.
"You cannot simply ignore us, because we will prosecute - and we will publicise.
“It is really important that we highlight cases such as this. Our crews work extremely hard to keep the city clean and their efforts should not be ruined by these thoughtless individuals. Our residents, business and visitors should all be able to enjoy clean and green spaces.”
The recent court action supports ongoing work under the council’s Shop a Tipper campaign where anyone suspected of dumping rubbish will have their images shared to appeal for information to help identify them.
If the information provided leads to successful identification, and Fixed Penalty Notices are issued and paid or a prosecution takes place, residents receive a £100 Enjoy Wolverhampton Gift Card.
Residents can contact 01902 552700 with information or report online at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/fly-tipping
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