A man been fined over £1,000 after his household waste was allegedly dumped by another person at two locations in County Durham.
Terry Hopwood of Dale Grove, Shildon was charged with two counts of failing to dispose of household waste and two counts of failing to assist a fly-tipping investigation after waste found to have belonged to him was found dumped in separate locations.
In a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, the 37-year-old, who was not represented in court, was fined £600, and ordered to pay costs of £1,313.30 and a victim surcharge of £60, totalling £1,793.30.
Read more: 'Normal 21-year-old' from Bishop Auckland with 'good job' downloaded sickening child abuse images
Durham County Council first launched an investigation after rubbish after waste which showed the name and address of Terry Hopwood was found in the back alley of Bouch Street, in Shildon, on January 31 this year.
Council neighbourhood wardens visited Hopwood’s home address on February 2 where the defendant claimed that the waste had been removed from his home and taken to a household waste recycling centre by another person.
However, Hopwood said he did not know the address of the person who removed the waste. He said he would contact the warden and provide it.
The defendant failed to contact the warden and he was issued with a Section 108 Environment Act Notice requesting that he attend an interview to assist the officer in his investigation.
Despite being sent a reminder email about the appointment, Hopwood failed to attend.
Then for a second time, on 25 May, the council’s neighbourhood warden team received a complaint that waste had been found dumped at the back of All Saints Industrial Estate, Shildon. Wardens found a large amount of waste and also noticed a cardboard box which displayed Hopwood’s name and address.
The defendant was sent a letter asking him to provide information regarding the waste. An interview date of 20 July was set, but he failed to attend.
Ian Hoult, the council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “This case demonstrates that it is always an individual’s responsibility that their own household waste is dealt with in the correct manner.
“Even if the items are disposed of by another person, it is still the owner of the waste’s duty to make sure that this is done correctly.
“We have a number of household waste recycling centres at locations across County Durham, so there really is no excuse to dump rubbish.”
Read next:
- Man threw fire extinguisher through Easington pharmacy cabinet after delay in receiving medication
- 'Aggressive' Chester-le-Street fish salesman jailed for scamming elderly customers
- 'Controlling' boyfriend stamped on girlfriend's head and wouldn't let her see terminally ill father
- County Durham driver banned after smashing into parked car on Boxing Day and driving off
- 'Emotional' Sunderland teen seen 'swerving' about roads in Volkswagen Polo after drinking booze
