Teamwork leads to successful conviction of serial fly-tipper in South Derbyshire
A persistent fly-tipper operating across South Derbyshire has been successfully convicted, thanks to a determined joint effort between South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire Police.
Samkelo Buthelezi, a repeat offender, has been ordered to pay a total of £3,290 after admitting to multiple fly-tipping offences at Derby Magistrates’ Court on 10 February 2025.
This successful prosecution bought by the police, is the result of close collaboration between the Council’s Environmental Services Crime Unit and local police officers, demonstrating the powerful impact of partnership working in tackling environmental crime.
Mr Buthelezi had been illegally dumping waste across the District, using a dangerously overloaded vehicle that often-exceeded safe loading limits. His actions not only caused significant environmental harm but also posed a major risk to other road users. Thanks to diligent investigation, vehicle markings, and surveillance footage, enforcement officers successfully identified him and built a strong case leading to his conviction.
He has now been fined £700, ordered to pay £2,225 in compensation to the Council, and £365 in court costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. The vehicle involved was seized by Council officers under powers provided under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Councillor Stephen Taylor, Chair of South Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental and Development Services Committee said: “This recent case highlights the effectiveness of our partnership with the police in tackling fly-tipping and sends a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly with law enforcement and other partners to hold offenders accountable.”
By combining resources, intelligence, and police investigative capabilities, larger fines and new avenues of enforcement can be secured - creating an increased threat of conviction for potential offenders.
Police Constable Todd Bennett, of the Gresley, Woodville and Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:
“We know that fly-tipping is a common bugbear for many residents – and for good reason. Illegally dumping waste and litter blights our communities, can cause risk to public health and harms wildlife.
“But what this case shows is that we are determined to work with our partner agencies to root out those offenders responsible for large and small scale fly-tipping. This is a crime that can attract an unlimited fine if the case goes to crown court and could even land you with a prison sentence. Our message is clear – do not fly-tip and instead take your waste to one of the area’s dedicated household waste recycling centres.”
Fly-tipping is a serious offence that can result in hefty fines or imprisonment. The Council will continue to work closely with the police and explore further partnership initiatives and deterrents, to ensure we remain robust on fly-tipping and prevent the District from suffering its effects.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious waste disposal activities to help authorities combat illegal dumping and protect the environment.
For further details please visit: Fly-tipping and other littering | Derbyshire Constabulary.
14 March 2025