A FLY-TIPPER has been prosecuted and fined for dumping rubbish in the countryside.

Michael Levy pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The offences relate to fly-tips at Netherhill Lane, Durley, Crooked Walk Lane, Southwick and Raglington Farm in Shedfield.

Two of the fly-tips were discovered on private property, Portsmouth Magistrates Court heard.

Levy, 28, of The Drive, Portsmouth, breached his duty of care in relation to the waste which had been within his control and which was later found at these locations by failing to ensure that it had been properly disposed of, by failing to ensure that the waste had been transferred to an authorised person for disposal and by failing to provide a written description of the waste.

Magistrates fined him £1,250 and he was ordered to pay £1,576 for the cost of clearing up and towards prosecution costs and also a £125 victim surcharge.

Cllr Frank Pearson, city council portfolio holder for environment, health and wellbeing, said: “Fly-tipping is irresponsible and spoils the environment for everyone. As this prosecution shows, Winchester City Council takes the matter seriously and will take strong action where the evidence supports it.

“The council will investigate fly-tipping on private land but is not in a position to use public money for clearance in those cases.”