I'm delighted to tell you about another successful prosecution in a fly-tipping case for TVBC.
A man from Maybush, Southampton has been ordered to pay nearly ยฃ2,000 after failing to assist with an investigation into a large fly-tip found in Lords Wood.
The fly-tip, reported in June 2022, contained a variety of waste including plastic bags, a mattress, household furniture, wood, and carpet. Upon investigation, officers found evidence linking the waste to Mark Dane, who was subsequently invited for an interview under caution but failed to attend. Despite a notice requiring assistance with the investigation being served to Dane, he still did not respond.
Dane was sentenced for failing to assist with the investigation, and on 31 March 2023, he was ordered to pay a fine of ยฃ1,100, a victim surcharge of ยฃ440, and costs of ยฃ451 at Southampton Magistrates Court.
This result highlights the serious consequences of not cooperating with fly-tipping investigations. I would emphasize that people must take notice of the punishment and cooperate with authorities to avoid such consequences.
The council will continue to take action against those who refuse to assist with investigations.
This may be one of the last times I can tell you about such prosecution. Our continued prioritisation of pursuing those who fly-tip will be one of the issues at stake in the elections next Thursday.
I can tell you that if the current team in charge of TVBC are re-elected we will continue our concentration on the issue. We will continue to employ our own (brilliant) investigation team, we will continue to use covert cameras and we will continue to investigate every single fly-tip and prosecute wherever we find evidence to do so.
Our opposition have differing priorities, that is their prerogative. But if prosecution of those who defile our beautiful borough with their rubbish is important to you, I hope you will take that into account when casting your vote next week.
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