A man who dumped a box of takeaway leaflets along the side of the road in Isleham must pay over £1,300 after being found guilty of littering. Teodor Gheghici of Barcham Road, Soham had been employed by takeaways in Soham and Littleport to deliver the leaflets to properties in Isleham in April.
Instead, two boxes were found dumped at Common Gate Drove – a notorious fly-tipping location – and reported to the council by a member of the public. A melted battery was also found at the site.
The council contacted the takeaways who provided details for the delivery driver and explained that the leaflets were not waste.
Gheghici was sent an interview by post which he responded to by explaining that he had deposited the leaflets as they had become fire damaged when a lit cigarette thrown from his car flew back through the window.
He said he put them there because there was already a pile of waste, and he wanted to get rid of them.
He explained that he did not know that leaving them at the roadside was an offence.
Gheghici was originally sent a £400 fixed penalty notice, but when he failed to pay the case went before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Magistrates found the matter proved under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and fined Gheghici £400 (the same as the fixed penalty notice), a victim surcharge of £160, compensation of £150 and full costs in the sum of £619.69, making a total of £1,329.69.
Councillor Julia Huffer who chairs the council’s operational services committee and is ward member for Isleham and Fordham, said: “We take all offences of littering extremely seriously, whether it is dumping waste at the side of the road or dropping rubbish or cigarette butts in the street.
“Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also cause damage to the environment, harm wildlife and be a health and safety risk.
“As this case proves we will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who thinks they can just leave litter for other people to clean up and sort out.
“I would also like to thank the member of the public who took the time to report it and would encourage others to do the same.”
