Fly-tipper fined nearly £600 for dumping waste in Rotherham neighbourhood
"Fly-tipping is unacceptable and places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, who ultimately fund the clean-up costs”
A woman has received multiple fines after she deposited several bags of rubbish and soft furnishings on the side of the road in a Rotherham neighbourhood.
Viera Lackova, who pleaded guilty to dumping the items earlier this month, had initially denied fly-tipping when officers spoke to her at her home, but CCTV cameras in the area clearly showed her committing the act.
Lackova later admitted to the offence and was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice. However, prosecution proceedings were launched after she failed to pay.
After failing to attend court, a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Lackova surrendered herself at Rotherham Police Station to avoid being arrested, and was ordered to pay fines totalling almost £600 after pleading guilty at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.
These included a £200 financial penalty, £313.35 in costs, and an £80 victim surcharge.
This comes after residents in the area have voiced concerns about fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, including creating a Facebook group called ‘How Clean is Eastwood’, where residents report rubbish on the neighbourhood’s streets.
Councillor Sarah Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities at Rotherham Council said: "This case demonstrates the important role CCTV plays in tackling environmental crime and helping us take action against those who blight our communities through fly-tipping.
"Without this footage, the offence may not have been successfully prosecuted. The cameras provided clear evidence of the waste being deposited and were instrumental in securing a conviction.
"This case shows that CCTV cameras in Eastwood are a valuable tool in identifying offenders and supporting enforcement action.
"Fly-tipping is unacceptable and places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, who ultimately fund the clean-up costs. We will continue to investigate reports thoroughly and take action wherever there is sufficient evidence to do so."
Residents can report fly-tipping here: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/fly-tipping-1