Bracknell Resident Pleads Guilty to the Unauthorised Dumping of a Caravan Containing Household Waste
Michael Ward aged 34 from Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell entered a guilty plea to one count of breaching the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in an action brought by Bracknell Forest Borough Council through the Public Protection Partnership Joint Case Management Unit. The hearing took place at Reading Magistrates Court on the 20th January 2023.
On the 4th November 2021 two members of the public reported to the Public Protection Service that a vehicle they were driving behind which was towing the caravan, had unhooked the caravan at South Road in Bracknell and driven away. An officer from the Service’s Trading Standards and Community Team carried out a visit to the scene and on further inspection found the caravan to be full of waste. The person responsible was quickly ascertained to be Mr Ward who subsequently removed the caravan before the Council incurred any clean-up costs.
The facts ascertained through investigation resulted in a charge of illegally depositing of waste contrary to s33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Mr Ward was fined £1066 and ordered to pay the Councils costs of £1317 together with Victim Surcharge of £106. A total of £2489.
Commenting on the case Cllr John Harrison, Executive Councillor for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection and Vice Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee, said "Fly-tipping is a crime. We have a comprehensive approach in Bracknell to ensuring this tackled from every angle including the use of CCTV, public education and in this case enforcement and prosecution. The penalty sends a clear message that if you are caught you face a hefty penalty".
If anyone has information that items have been fly-tipped they are invited to contact the Council on 01344 352000. If you have information on the may help with any investigation of environmental crime of this nature please contact the Public Protection Service on 01635 503242 or email ehadvice@westberks.gov.uk
