Resident fined for failing to comply with fly-tipping investigation

A Sunderland resident suspected of fly-tipping has been fined by magistrates after failing to co-operate with a council investigation.

Joey Donkin of Easington Lane was contacted by an officer from Sunderland City Council's Neighbourhood Enforcement Team following reports of two fly-tipping incidents in Hetton Le Hole in November 2022.

The fly-tipped waste was dumped on the former Cosy Estate site and Brickgarth. It comprised building and renovation waste, including a fridge and several pieces of wooden furniture.

During a search of the fly-tipped waste, officers found evidence linking it to Joey Donkin, and a check of council tax records showed that he lived at an address in Lilywhite Terrace.

Several attempts were made to contact Donkin, who failed to respond.

When Donkin failed to make contact with the investigating officer, he was served with a notice under section 108 of the Environment Act 1995, requiring him to attend an interview on the 9 January 2023.

But when Donkin didn't attend the interview, the council moved to prosecute him for failing to comply with the notice.

Donkin failed to attend a hearing at South Tyneside Court on Wednesday (9 August), but the magistrates found him guilty in his absence.

Donkin was fined £220, where he was also ordered to pay £910 in costs and compensation to the council, making a total of £1,130.

Last month 47 limestone boulders were installed at Brickgarth to block unofficial entranceways into the neighbouring Flatts recreation area and prevent anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean, Green City, said: "I hope this significant fine sends a clear message to anyone thinking about fly-tipping waste: the city council takes a zero-tolerance approach to this kind of behaviour and will take action against those responsible, including those who fail to assist with enquiries."

Revenue generated from fixed penalty notices, including costs and compensation awarded by the courts, is ploughed back into the service and goes towards the costs of cleaning up litter and fly-tipping, keeping highways clean, and enforcement against littering, graffiti and fly-posting.