Five people from County Durham have paid a combined fine of £3,500 for fly-tipping in a string of court appearances for the crime.

The fly-tippers had their cases dealt with at Peterlee Magistrates Court this month following prosecutions from Durham County Council.

Here is the full list of those who faced fines:

  • Luke Wake, 49, and Shona Alice Leaf, 23, of Redworth Road in Shildon

The pair were handed £220 fines each after they failed to assist an investigation into fly-tipping on land behind their home at Coltmans Yard.

The Northern Echo: Waste dumped by Wake and Leaf.Waste dumped by Wake and Leaf. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

An investigation in November of 2022 found ten black bags and multiple carrier bags full of waste that was later connected to the pair upon a search.

Wake and Leaf did not attend court and were later found guilty of offences under the Environment Act 1995 in their absence.

  • Wayne and Kimberly Brannigan, Main Street, Shildon

Council wardens found correspondence related to the 35- and 38-year-old as they searched dumped waste in December 2022.

The Northern Echo: Waste dumped by the Brannigan's.Waste dumped by the Brannigan's. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

After calling, leaving contact cards, and inviting them for an interview regarding the waste, Durham County Council moved to prosecute them both.

They were both hit with a £220 fine, ordered to pay £350 and victim surcharges of £88 as they failed to show up to court.

  • Rachel Cant, 25, of Ash Grove in Spennymoor

Cant was prosecuted after an investigation found documents in her name at a fly-tip off Dale Road near the Locomotion Railway museum in Shildon.

Ms Cant stated in an interview that she has driven to two household waste and recycling centres but found them both closed as she then resorted to dumping the waste.

The Northern Echo: Waste dumped by Rachel Cant.Waste dumped by Rachel Cant. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The 25-year-old then pled guilty at court for a fly-tipping offence and was subsequently fined £276, ordered to pay £500 costs as well as a £110 victim surcharge.

Following the prosecutions, neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council, Ian Hoult has said: “As we keep saying, there’s no excuse for fly-tipping.

"That also applies to refusing to help us when we’re carrying out investigations into fly-tipping.

“Fly-tipping is an issue we know our residents feel very strongly about and we always encourage people to report any incidents to us, as well as any information or intelligence that might help us track down those responsible.”