Fly-tippers fined after dumping waste in Stowupland and Semer

Two men found guilty of fly-tipping waste in Mid Suffolk and Babergh are to pay a total of more than £3,000.

Andrew Wall, who was living in the High Street, Needham Market, at the time of his offence, dumped 12 sacks of household waste at the roadside in Stonebridge Lane, Stowupland, in November 2018.

Sgt Brian Calver, from Suffolk Police rural policing team, found the sacks during a routine patrol and discovered they included items showing Mr Wall’s address.

An arrest warrant was issued following Mr Wall’s repeated failure to appear at court. Last Monday, Mr Wall appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court via video link from Southend Police Station and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Mr Wall told the court he had failed to comply with his responsibility by checking the person he had asked to take his rubbish away was certified.

He received a £1,000 fine, costs of £477.41 and a victim surcharge of £100.

Ionel Stanescu, of Sirdar Road, Ipswich, dumped items including a hot water tank jacket in Drakestone Green, Semer, in September 2018.

Mr Stanescu attended Ipswich Magistrates Court on September 16 and pleaded guilty. He was fined £720, ordered to pay costs of £708.67 and a £72 victim surcharge.

In both cases, the councils wrote to the offenders, who admitted liability, and issued £200 fixed penalty notices. However, after failure to pay despite reminders, matters were referred for prosecution.

Cllr Jessica Fleming, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for the environment, said: “Fly-tipping is an ugly crime that harms our environment and impacts on residents and landowners.

“Many of our residents across Mid Suffolk give up their valuable time to keep our communities clean and carry our litter picks and it’s terrible to think others feel they can dump waste and use tax-payers’ money to clear it without consequence.

“I hope this result acts as a deterrent.”

Sgt Brian Calver, from the rural policing team, said: “Our rural county is blighted by the selfish actions of a minority who think they have the right to deposit waste as and where they like, with no regard for the consequences.”