Fly-tipper caught after public tip-off

A fly-tipper from Weymouth was caught and prosecuted following a Dorset Council investigation prompted by a witness tip-off.

Daniel James Ellis, 39, formerly of Weymouth but now of Stone Close, Leicester, pleaded guilty to dumping waste at Gould’s Hill on or about February 27 last year.

Ellis admitted illegally dumping black bin bags of household waste, cardboard packaging and a helium gas cannister which were later found by a member of the public, who photographed the waste and reported the offence to the council.

Enforcement Team officers investigated and found evidence linking the waste to a local resident who had paid Ellis £20 to dispose of it at a household recycling centre.

A council spokesperson said when Ellis was tracked down by officers, he admitted dumping the waste and took full responsibility.

A fixed penalty notice was issued to Ellis for the offence on March 21 last year but no payment was received despite a reminder letter also being sent. A council spokesperson said this left the authority with ‘little option’ but to prosecute Ellis, who initially failed to attend court leading to a warrant for his arrest being issued. Officers later learned Ellis had moved to Leicester where he was arrested and admitted the offence. He was convicted at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on one count of depositing household waste on land at Gould’s Hill, Weymouth without an environmental permit.

Ellis, who spent 24 hours in custody before the hearing, was punished by way of time already served behind bars and was ordered to pay £520 costs and £29 compensation. Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “If you see a fly-tip, please make a note of where it is, take a picture if you can, and note down any other details. Never touch the waste or confront fly-tippers. You can report it to us via the website, or by giving us a call. ”