Cigarette litter lout fined £75
7:00am Monday 20th August 2012 in News
A man who flicked a cigarette end into a bush on Pall Mall has been landed with a £150 bill.
Andrew Topping, 38, of Preston Road, Standish, was found guilty at South Ribble Magistrates’ Court after failing to pay a fixed penalty notice in a prosecution brought by Chorley Council.
The court heard that Topping was at the rear of the former QS Fashions store when he was stopped by a police community support officer. While with the PCSO he flicked a cigarette butt into a bush in full view of the officer.
Magistrates were told that Topping was issued with a fixed penalty notice and was sent two reminders by Chorley Council after which he lodged an appeal.
This was turned down and the fixed penalty notice remained unpaid.
Coun Terry Brown, who oversees environmental crime at Chorley Council, said: “The council puts a lot of effort into keeping the streets clean and it’s disappointing to see people show a lack of respect, particularly by throwing cigarette ends on the floor.
“Littering is something we’re really keen to try and tackle over the coming months so I hope this prosecution sends a message out that our officers and the PCSOs will be patrolling right across the borough and if people are seen dropping rubbish then we will issue fixed penalty notices and take the matter to court if necessary.
“I’d urge people to put their rubbish in one of the many litter bins provided or take it home with them – if we all do our bit then we can make a big difference and improvement the environment for everyone.”
Magistrates handed Topping a £75 fine and ordered him to pay £60 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
