A MAN from Wolverhampton has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 after members of the public spotted him dumping a bag of pillows at the side of the road near Winchester.

Sean Smith fly-tipped the bedding next to the A31 on August 15 last year.

Residents caught him doing this and reported it to Winchester City Council (WCC). Witnesses provided statements which provided sufficient evidence for the local authority to take formal action.

Last month, Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard how Smith had previously been issued a £400 fixed penalty notice on December 7 2018, which he failed to pay having initially entered a not guilty plea to the offence.

Smith, of Little Moor in Pattingham, Wolverhampton, changed his plea to guilty in September this year and was prosecuted for offences under under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

He was fined £1000 and ordered to pay £1000 costs and a £100 Victim Surcharge.

Cllr Jackie Porter, WCC cabinet member for built environment and wellbeing, said: “Winchester is a beautiful district and we want it to stay that way.

"We are committed to addressing the issue of fly-tipping in the Winchester district to protect the natural environment.

"The city council works hard to take action a gainst those where we can evidence their involvement. This great result demonstrates the robust action that will be taken against those who blight our district.”

Residents can report any incident of fly-tipping by contacting the WCC customer services team on 0300 300 0013 or they can report it online by visiting winchester.gov.uk/apply