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Man dumps reptile tank and watering can in beauty spot
A MAN dumped household waste at a remote beauty spot because he had seen rubbish there previously, a court was told.
Stephen Forster, 48, of Orchard Way, Holmer Green, pleaded guilty and was convicted for illegally dumping household waste by Wycombe Magistrates on Wednesday.
The court heard Forster, a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport, drove his car to Marrods Bottom - a quiet lane in Penn - at 11.30am on May 3.
A passing motorist witnessed him dumping old toys, a reptile tank, a watering can and other household items.
During a police interview Forster admitted the offence, and said he very much regretted his actions and chose Marrods Bottom because he had seen rubbish at that location earlier on in the week.
The magistrates fined him £265, ordered him to pay £515 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge - a total of £795.
Bill Lidgate, chairman of the Waste Committee for Buckinghamshire said: "This man was well aware of the correct course of action in this case and should have taken his waste to the local household waste recycling centre. Ample facilities are now in place and nothing can excuse this kind of laziness.
"I am disappointed with the magistrates though, as they can and should enforce higher penalties. It is not fair or right that the counties tax payers have to cover the cost for of this despicable behaviour and fines should reflect the seriousness of the offence."
The case was the 152nd conviction prosecuted by Buckinghamshire County Council working on behalf of the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire as part of its "Illegal Dumping Costs" campaign launched in November 2003.
If a person sees anyone dumping waste illegally in Buckinghamshire, they can report it on the illegal dumping hotline by calling 0845 330 1856.
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