An illegal dumper chose the wrong moment to get rid of unwanted top soil in a north Oxfordshire lay-by.

As Gary Webb and a friend shovelled soil off a trailer on to the ground, they were seen by a local council officer whose job it was to prevent fly-tipping in the Cherwell area.

Banbury magistrates heard that the officer, Edward Potter, was driving along the A4260 near Deddington in May last year, when he came across the scene.

Mr Potter, who manages the Cherwell team responsible for cleaning up after fly-tippers, approached the men and told them the soil needed to be taken to a tip.

But they ignored his advice and continued to shovel the soil -- estimated at about a tonne -- from the trailer attached to their white Transit van.

Mr Potter drove off, having noted the registration number.

It was later traced to Webb's address in Horton Road, Middleton Cheney, near Banbury.

He appeared in court last Thursday (May 1), and was prosecuted by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Protection Act.

After admitting illegal dumping, Webb was ordered to pay £600 in fines and costs.

Environment officer, Steve Clare, said later: "This case should send a clear message to would-be fly-tippers."