South Tyneside Man Ordered to Pay Thousands after Fly Tipping Incident

A man who refused to answer questions about a fly tip in South Tyneside has been ordered to pay almost £3,400 in penalties.

Council Environmental Enforcement Officers discovered waste dumped in a farmer's field during a routine patrol in East Boldon on 14 August last year.

The rubbish had been set alight in an attempt to destroy any evidence; however, identification and documents were found among the incinerated material, and led back to Daniel Hindhaugh.

The 46-year-old, of Stridingedge, Washington, failed to make himself available for interview about the dumped waste, which is an offence under Sec 110 of the Environment Act.

He was convicted in his absence by South Tyneside Magistrates last week and ordered to pay fines, costs and compensation totalling £3,398.

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety said: "The court imposed some heavy penalties in this case and I hope it acts as a warning and a deterrent.

"We will always investigate environmental crimes, and where we can identify offenders, will take all action available to us.

"Members of the public can help by being our eyes and ears and reporting any incidents to the council so we can investigate."

Hindhaugh also failed to make adequate enquiries as to whether person or persons removing waste from Stridingede, Washington were authorised to do so, and no waste transfer notes, or any documentation was obtained. This is an offence under Sec 34(2a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

He was fined £1,320, ordered to pay the local authority £1,600 in costs, a victim surcharge of £528 and compensation of £550 to the landowner.

The Council spends more than £2m a year keeping the Borough clean and tidy and the illegal disposal of waste places an additional burden on taxpayers.

To report fly-tipping contact South Tyneside Council's Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence. Alternatively Report It online via the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/reportit

Further information about the safe and responsible disposal of waste can also be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling