19 November 2008: Shelling out £3,000 is no yolk for fly tipper

Media: PR1073

An unusual fly tipping case brought by Lewes District Council’s Clean & Green Team took place in Lewes Magistrates Court recently.

Lawrence Scott Walters from Spring Close in Eastbourne pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing waste on land adjacent to the Avis Way Industrial Estate in Newhaven. The case followed a report to the Council from a member of the public who had witnessed Walters dumping a quantity of birds nests and eggs.  Trading under the name “Pest Call” an Eastbourne based pest control business, Walters admitted removing the gulls eggs and nesting material from a factory in Eastbourne before later dumping them in Newhaven.

The court accepted the plea and fined Walters £2,000 plus the Council's full costs of £1,000 along with a victim surcharge of £15.

Cllr James MacCleary, Lewes District Council’s Lead Councillor for Community said "This case further demonstrates the Council’s resolve to prosecute all those who fly tip with no regard for the environment. This individual operated as a legitimate business and was paid to remove the nests and eggs before leaving them to rot next to a nature conservation area. 

“Once again the council is sending out a clear message that fly tipping will not be tolerated in Lewes District and that we are prepared to prosecute anyone found to be dumping waste in our area."

For more information please contact Owen Clifford, Community Services Manager, 01273 484404 or email owen.clifford@lewes.gov.uk