Man drops litter and picks up £200 fine

A LLANELLI man who dropped two items of litter has picked up a £200 fine.

Gareth Stephen Kendall, of Albert Street, was also ordered to pay £204.05 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge by Carmarthen magistrates.

The 26-year-old was convicted in absence to an offence contrary to Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.

The court heard that environmental enforcement officers were on patrol on August 8 last year on the grassed area behind Llanelli Leisure Centre.

First they saw a man tear the silver foil top off a packet of cigarettes and throw it into the air and then throw a drinks can into some bushes.

The officers identified themselves and explained that he had committed an offence. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75.

Despite a reminder letter being sent to his home address, no payment was made.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said he hoped this case would help to raise awareness that dropping litter is an offence.

He added: “Cleaning our streets of litter, dog fouling and fly-tipping costs the council £2.2 million a year and this money could be better spent on caring for the elderly or on education for our children.

“We will not hesitate to fine those caught breaking the law in this way and I hope this case helps to get the message across.

“The council is determined to keep Carmarthenshire clean for both residents and the thousands of visitors we get every year.”