A serial fly-tipper has been ordered to pay almost £4,000 after being caught dumping a large pile of household waste outside Buzz Bingo Hall in Barkingside, Redbridge.
Martin Stokes, 30, from Birmingham, was ordered to pay £3,905. The waste included mattresses, a fridge freezer, glass panels, and cardboard.
Redbridge Council's investigation found that Mr Stokes had been prosecuted for two fly-tipping offences in the borough last year, leading to fines totalling more than £2,000. CCTV footage showed a yellow van entering the car park, with the driver and a passenger unloading rubbish before driving away. The vehicle's registration plate was captured, allowing council officers to identify Mr Stokes.
Mr Stokes had previously failed to pay a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for not identifying the driver of the van when requested, which led to criminal charges. He failed to attend Barkingside Magistrates' Court for his trial on 16 June, and the case was heard in his absence. He was found guilty of fly-tipping and failing to identify the driver. The total amount includes the fine, court costs, council costs, and the cost of clearing the waste.