Prolific Alvaston fly tipper handed heavy fine

A man from Alvaston has received substantial fines after he pleaded guilty at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court to three offences of fly tipping at rural locations in South Derbyshire in spring 2020.

Jamie Whitmore of Chalkley Close, Alvaston was fined £1,800, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £180 and ordered to pay a contribution of £2,000 towards the Council’s costs, making a total of £3,900 to be paid in full within 28 days.

In March 2020 members of the public reported information to South Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental Health Service about fly tipping incidents near to Shardlow and Aston-on-Trent. Further incidents of similar materials were identified at other locations.

The materials consisted of building waste, white goods, and domestic refuse.

The Council’s Community Safety Enforcement Team identified that Whitmore had been in control of a rented van which investigating officers were able to link to all of the offences.

Initially Whitmore denied any involvement. However, the strength of the evidence presented to the court led him to eventually admit his guilt.

Councillor Stephen Taylor, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Development Service Committee said: “This individual admitted to the court that he had previously held a waste carrier licence, and that he therefore knowingly chose to operate a business illegally disposing of waste. 

“He admitted fly-tipping for a couple of months to earn extra money and that he didn’t dispose of the waste at a legal waste disposal facility in order to maximise his profit.

“I have no doubt that if Council officers had not carried out detailed investigations into his activities and forced him to account for his actions, he would have continued his illegal business practices.

“Most importantly, the start of the trail of evidence which led to this offender being found was information which was provided to us by members of the public.

“Sometimes people tell me that they don’t report incidents because they don’t think the Council will take any action. I hope this, and the many other fines and penalties we issue, proves that this Council is determined to stop fly tipping.”

Fly tipping offences increased significantly during 2020/21 and the Council’s Community Safety Enforcement Team has been vigorously pursuing offenders. Since April of this year the average monthly incidents of fly tipping has halved. 

17 December 2021