A MAN who illegally dumped household rubbish after saying he would dispose of it properly has been fined.

Robert Jeacock, 50, of Woodpiece Road, Upper Arncott, near Bicester, pleaded guilty to an offence of illegal dumping last Wednesday at High Wycombe Magistrates Court.

The court heard that he had offered to do a favour for a neighbour by taking household rubbish to the tip for them.

ALSO READ: Man caught taking scrap metal from Cherwell District Council skip

But instead he dumped it into a wooded area on nearby Murcott Road, just over the Buckinghamshire border.

A member of the public who saw Jeacock dumping the rubbish, took his vehicle registration before following him home to note down his address.

The incident was reported to the police, who passed the information to investigators from the waste enforcement team at Buckinghamshire County Council.

Oxford Mail:

Jeacock was interviewed by investigating officers under caution and, once evidence was put to him, admitted the offence.

The magistrates fined Jeacock £2,000, ordered him to pay costs of £1,275 and a victim surcharge of £170, totalling £3,445.

Aylesbury Vale District Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure Councillor Paul Irwin, speaking on behalf of the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire, said: "This prosecution wouldn't have been possible without the intervention of a community-minded passer-by.

ALSO READ: Man with a van charged £500 then dumped waste in a field

"I'd ask anyone that sees suspicious behaviour that may be linked to fly tipping to report it. Take down as many details of the incident as you can, including any vehicle registration - but never put yourself in danger."

Illegal waste disposal is a serious criminal offence and carries a fine up to £50,000 and 12 months' imprisonment.

If you see fly-tipping or wish to report dumped rubbish on a public highway verge, contact your local district council.