Staffordshire Man's Expensive Tip

A senior councillor in Stafford has sent out a warning to people who dump rubbish in the countryside - after a man was ordered to pay more than £500.

Andrew Duvnjak hired a man to get rid of rubbish for him who was not authorised to do so. The rubbish was found dumped in Beechdale Lane in the north of Stafford Borough.

Councillor Stan Highfield, cabinet member for environment and health at Stafford Borough Council, said they would not hesitate to prosecute people who did not ensure rubbish was disposed of properly.

He said: "We have a beautiful countryside across our Borough and local people who care about their environment are justifiably furious when they see it used as a dumping ground.

"If you are hiring somebody to get rid of the rubbish for you then please make sure they have the correct permit to do so. If you are unsure then contact the borough council."

Magistrates were told Duvnjak had paid a man £20 to get rid of waste including bits of carpet, tiles, a kitchen basin and bathroom fittings. It was found in Beechdale Lane, near Hanchurch in May. The waste had come from a house in Sneyd Green, Stoke where Duvnjak was working as a painter and decorator.

Duvnjak, of Ainsworth Street, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, Stoke On Trent pleaded guilty to an offence under Environmental Protection law. The legislation was introduced to tackle problems relating to fly tipping. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay £150 costs with a £15 victim surcharge when he appeared in court last month (December).

Councillor Highfield added: "Residents have told us they want us to use our powers under environment legislation to stamp out this type of offence. It is a crime on our countryside and I would ask anyone with information on fly tipping to tell us immediately."

This is the second successful prosecution the council has brought under the fly tipping legislation. They made legal history just over 12 months ago when a man was found guilty and made to pay £1800 in fines and costs after rubbish was dumped in a country lane in the village of Tittensor, Stone - the first trial for the offence at crown court in the UK.