A Greenhithe man is facing fines and court costs over £4,000 after being convicted of fly tipping in Gravesend.
Following a report in October 2023, our Environmental Enforcement team investigated the fly-tipping in Mark Lane, Gravesend.
A male was caught on CCTV dumping a large quantity of waste from a trailer and driving off. The waste was a mixture of household waste including plastics and flooring materials.
After an investigation, Matthew Davis 35, from Park Terrace,Greenhithe was identified as the offender.
Davis didn’t respond to notices served on him by investigators and failed to attend an interview.
He was prosecuted but failed to attend a court hearing and was subsequently arrested on warrant.
He appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on Tuesday 10 February where he pleaded guilty to the offence of fly tipping.
He was fined £1,760, ordered to pay costs of £1,135 and a victim surcharge of £704. In addition, he was required to pay £415.72 in compensation.
Welcoming the conviction, Cllr Emma Morley, Gravesham Borough Council’s cabinet member for operational services, said: “The battle against fly tippers and their antisocial behaviour is a constant one, but one that we do not shy from where we have evidence.
“Simply ignoring legal notices from us won’t work, as this case highlights. We will pursue every avenue open to us to make those responsible for these disgusting acts pay.
“I’d like to thank our investigators for their diligence and determination in bringing Davis before the courts.”
Rubbish and your duty of care
Take environmental crime seriously and will use powers to investigate and prosecute.
Find out about your legal 'duty of care' to make sure what anyone you ask to take away your rubbish, is registered and authorised to do so.
Read about other ways to dispose of your waste safely.
Report fly-tipping in Gravesham online or if you have any information relating to any environmental crime in the borough you can email Tipoff@gravesham.gov.uk