Two people have been fined almost £1,300 after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council prosecuted its first two cases for non-payment of fixed penalties issued in relation to fly tipping.
The Council said the cases, which mark a significant step in efforts to combat illegal waste disposal, “should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering fly-tipping in our Borough.”
A spokesperson added that Council has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to illegal dumping and reminded everyone to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Marzen Dworvik was found guilty of fly-tipping in an alleyway on Albert Place, Ballymena.
The deputy district judge at Ballymena Magistrates' Court imposed a fine of £500 and ordered the defendant to pay an offender levy of £15 and costs of £123, totalling £638.
In a similar case, Curtis Johnson was convicted for fly-tipping on Waring Street, Ballymena. The deputy district judge handed down an identical penalty, with a £500 fine plus £15 offender levy and costs of £123, also totalling £638.
A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the convictions send a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated.
“Council is committed to maintaining clean and safe environments for our residents and we will use all available legal means to pursue those who disregard our community's wellbeing and environmental standards.” they said.
“The introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices has provided us with an additional tool to combat fly-tipping. However, as these cases demonstrate, we are prepared to escalate matters to court when offenders fail to take responsibility for their actions by paying the initial FPN.
“We urge all residents and visitors to dispose of their waste responsibly and there is no excuse for illegal dumping. These fines, which are significantly higher than the original FPNs, should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering fly-tipping in our Borough.”
Both cases originated from unpaid Fixed Penalty Notices of £400 each, which were issued by the Council for the fly-tipping offences. The failure to pay these FPNs resulted in the cases being brought before the court.