A Basildon resident has been found guilty of flytipping in Basildon and ordered to pay a substantial fine.
Catherine Nyarai Tafa, of Swanstead, Vange, Basildon, went before the magistrates’ court on 09 March 2020 for dumping waste consisting of nine pink sacks, two black sacks, cardboard boxes, plastic basket and two suitcases in Swanstead.
Upon inspection by an officer it was found to contain waste in Ms Tafa’s name.
The defendant was originally issued with a fixed penalty notice for the offences via the post, and after failing to respond a Non Payment Reminder Letter was sent, which was also left unanswered resulting in her prosecution.
Ms Tafa was produced in court on a warrant having failed to attend her first hearing.
It was submitted by the defendant that she had left the waste out on Wednesday for a Friday collection, despite the fact that the waste was found outside the boundary of her residential property, on a-non collection day for the area.
The court fined the defendant £461, ordered costs of £477 and a victim surcharge of £47 – a total of £985.
Chairman of Basildon Council’s Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee Councillor David Harrison said: “Don’t ignore fines and dispose of rubbish on your area’s collect day.
“The collect day for Swanstead is a Friday and it’s easy to find at the Council’s website – www.basildon.gov.uk – or by ringing 01268 533333 or visiting the council in St. Martin’s Square.
“Residents need to ensure all rubbish and recycling has been placed at edge of their property by 7.30am on your collection day.
“This is a clear message: do the right thing and dispose of your waste legally – help us win the battle to clean up the borough.”
