A DARLINGTON fly-tipper's paper trail has lead to court action and fines.

The fly-tipper was ordered to pay £876 in fines and costs for not assisting an investigation into a fly-tip in the town.

Christopher Jenkinson, 46, of Neasham Road, was found guilty of failing to produce documents to assist enquiries into a fly tip under Section 110(2)(a) and (5) of the Environment Act 1995 at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court earlier this week (25 October).

Jenkinson was fined £660 and ordered to pay £150 in costs and a £66 Victim Surcharge.

Read more: Dilapidated shop in Middleton St George near Darlington will become cafe

The court heard how on 27 May 2021, civic enforcement officers, part of the council’s Community Safety Team, were called to attend a fly-tip at the rear of Westgarth Terrace.

Items found within the fly-tip were linked to Jenkinson’s business, Banktop Roofing.

Jenkinson attended for interview and was served a notice under Section 108 of the Environment Act 1995 to supply documents to assist the enquiries into who carried out the fly-tip but failed to do so.

Read more: Darlington landscape art forms part of new trail

Scott Richardson, Anti-Social Behaviour & Civic Enforcement Team Leader said: “Civic enforcement officers have the power to compel individuals and businesses to assist our enquiries into fly-tipping when required.

"We hope that this case sends a warning to those involved in fly-tipping that we will use all powers available to us to identify them and take action against those persons who refuse to assist our enquiries.”

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Darlington Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “The vast majority of people living in Darlington are responsible and care about the borough, and we would urge them to do their bit to help by reporting anyone they see fly-tipping.

“And to those who persist in this anti-social behaviour, our message is clear, fly-tipping will not be tolerated. We are working closely with partners to tackle this, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted!”

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054