Fly-tipper, 21, fined more than £1,000 after dumping waste in Rainham

A 21-year-old fly-tipper has been fined more than £1,000 following an investigation carried out by Havering Council.

James Atkins was found guilty at Romford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday of knowingly causing and permitting the unauthorised depositing of waste.

Residents in Rainham witnessed an eight-wheel truck being driven onto Ongar Way on May 31 this year, before about 15 tonnes of waste were dumped near to unused council garages.

Members of the public took photographs of the offence as it happened, which helped council officers to track down Atkins through the truck company he hired the vehicle from.

Cllr Robert Benham, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This has been a long case and it’s taken a while to get this result, but it’s a good one.

“Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence that costs the council and taxpayers thousands of pounds every year.

“We live in the third largest London borough and it’s not possible for us to be everywhere, but by residents being our eyes and ears, we can bring these offenders to justice.”

Atkins, from Dagenham, was fined £1,125, with £972 costs and a victim surcharge of £112.

The waste cost £3,000 to clear and dispose and the council is attempting to recover further costs.

Anyone with information about fly-tipping should call the police on 101 or the council on 01708 432563.