A MAN has been fined over £500 as part of a clam down in littering in the borough.
Peter Fitzpatrick of Lea Hall Road in Birmingham was charged £545 for throwing a cigarette onto the floor, despite standing close to a litter bin.
The 48-year-old appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court after magistrates heard how two Environmental Crime Officers were patrolling Lode Lane on May 21 this year when they witnessed a man waiting at a bus stop throw a cigarette towards the carriageway.
The butt then fell into a highway gully which discharges into the River Cole via the Hatchford Brook.
Identifying the man as Fitzpatrick, officers issued him with a fixed penalty notice for £75.
But, despite receiving a warning letter, he made no contact with the Council and was summonsed to appear before magistrates.
Pleading guilty to one offence of leaving litter contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Fitzpatrick was fine £175 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, a criminal court charge of £150 and a £200 contribution to the Council’s costs.
He was warned a collection order would be made if he did not pay the £545 within 14 days.
Coun Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities & Partnerships, said Environmental Crime Officers were deployed to Lode Lane following complaints about litter close to the Land Rover plant.
She added: “Fitzpatrick chose not to pay his fixed penalty, and as a result now has a criminal record and a substantial amount of money to pay.
“The Council and the magistrates have made the message clear: do not leave litter in Solihull.”
