A man has been fined over £200 by Teesside Magistrates Court for throwing a cigarette butt out of his car in October of last year.

The court heard the 41-year-old man was spotted by an Environmental Enforcement Officer last autumn after he threw the cigarette from his Ford Fiesta on Redcar Seafront.

The officer then approached the car, that was parked in Majuba Road Car Park, as the man claimed he had “no idea” why he was being questioned.

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He was then given a £150 Fixed Penalty Notice for the incident that would be reduced to £100 if paid within ten days.

Magistrates then heard that the fine was not paid as the 41-year-old admitted to the offence in court.

The court then ordered the man to pay the fine as well as court costs.

Following the hearing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, Cllr Adam Brook, affirmed Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s tough stance on littering.

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He said: “Littering won’t be tolerated no matter where it occurs. It is sometimes noticeable that the amount of rubbish dumped on our beaches and areas of natural beauty increases in the summer months when people enjoy our area on sunny days, which is very frustrating.

“We urge people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly every time. So please be warned -  our Environmental Enforcement Officers will do what it takes to enforce the law and protect our beautiful area for all to enjoy.”