A man whose rubbish was found dumped illegally was fined £250 and ordered to pay £700 costs and a £25 victim surcharge by Watford Magistrates Court.

Ceza Grosu, of Whippendell Road, Watford, hadn't check whether the person he gave it to for disposal had a waste carrier’s licence and was prosecuted by Watford Borough Council.

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: "It’s one of our top priorities to keep our town clean, safe and green. We won’t tolerate flytipping. We’re doing all we can to ensure Watford remains a great - and tidy - place to live in."

Several black bags of domestic waste were found in Southsea Avenue, Watford, on Friday, March 6, and reported to the council’s environmental crime team.

After its officers searched the flytipped rubbish, they linked it back to 34-year-old Grosu. The only explanation he could give was that he had given his bags to an unknown person, and failed to check he was a licensed waste carrier.

Councillor Peter Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Community and Customer Services, said: "This prosecution and others like it show that the council takes a zero tolerance approach to flytipping. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste legally. If you're involved in flytipping and we catch you, you could face a hefty penalty."

The council does not collect construction waste or large household items. If you ask someone else to dispose of your rubbish, you must make sure they have a waste carrier’s licence from the Environment Agency.