17 Mar Basildon resident prosecuted for fly tipping offences
A Basildon resident has been found guilty of fly tipping after dumping multiple items from a white van outside an industrial unit in Hemmells, Laindon.
Thomas Whitnell, 34, of Disa Mariando, High Road, Laindon, initially appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 22 December 2020 and pleaded not guilty to a charge of dumping controlled waste under s33 of the Environmental Protection Act.
CCTV footage showed the offence taking place, where the individual removed fence panels, posts and gravel boards from their vehicle on 16 March 2019. The driver’s registration plate was clearly visible in the footage.
An Enforcement officer attended the registered keeper’s address on 2 April 2019 and found that the same van used in the offence was parked at the address. Mr Whitnell was subsequently invited to attend an interview under caution, and after failing to attend the interview and or respond to a letter, he was issued with a court summons.
After a delay in the case hearing due to Covid-19, Mr Whitnell was found guilty of dumping controlled waste on Tuesday 9 March 2021. He was ordered to pay a total of £3515, including a £1000 fine, £2415 in court costs, and a £100 victim surcharge.
Chairman of Basildon Council’s Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee, Councillor David Harrison, said: “Fly tipping is a thoughtless act and any individual that does it shows a total disrespect for our borough. It’s not something that we tolerate as a council.
“Disposing of waste incorrectly is a crime. Take pride in your borough, do the right thing, and don’t end up with a fine. I’m glad we were able to secure this positive outcome, and hopefully this prosecution as well as our improved CCTV coverage across the borough deters other residents from disposing of their waste illegally.”
